Algerian Radio
Algeria, represented by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Genève, Mr. Idris Latreche, reaffirmed that its approach to the issue of landmines is based on a bitter national experience involving the devastating consequences of anti-personnel mines left by French colonialism, impacts that remain present to this day.
During an interactive dialogue held by the UN Human Rights Council regarding the impact of anti-personnel mines on human rights, Ambassador Latreche responded to a report by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He explained that "the consequences of these anti-personnel mines are not limited to direct human losses, but extend to a wide spectrum of fundamental human rights," including the rights to life, health, development, and freedom of movement.
Algeria expressed its "regret that the report did not allocate more space to the ongoing effects of mines inherited from the colonial era, especially since their repercussions transcend the past to affect the present and future of peoples."
The Ambassador added: "Algeria's approach is primarily based on its painful experience, having found itself after independence facing a heavy legacy of no less than 11 million anti-personnel mines planted by the French colonizer along the eastern and western borders of our country." He noted that "although Algeria succeeded in clearing its lands through the efforts of its own citizens and its pure national resources, the traces of this colonial legacy are still present in the suffering of survivors today."
During the session, the Permanent Representative of Algeria also delivered a joint statement on behalf of Croatie, Mozambique, Pérou, Afrique du Sud, the Royaume-Uni, Vanuatu, and 70 other countries concerning the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of human rights.
Ambassador Latreche emphasized "the importance of ensuring that the rights and needs of victims and affected communities remain at the heart of international efforts." He called for a "renewed political commitment, including through universal accession to relevant international mechanisms, such as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention."
