Visit of AP Mine Ban Convention Implementation Support Unit Victim Assistance Expert
In the period from April 18 to 19, 2022, SMAC was visited by AP Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention) Implementation Support Unit Victim Assistance Expert, Mr Firoz Alizada, within his visit to States Parties in our region, in order to provide them with technical assistance regarding the fulfilment of victim assistance obligations.
Mr Firoz Alizada had the opportunity to get acquainted with the current situation in Serbia regarding the implementation of its obligations under the Ottawa Convention, as well as the challenges and the need for support.
On the first day of the visit, he visited the expanded business capacities of the SMAC, i.e., the classroom with a training ground and site, in Grocka, where international EOD training courses have been held since 2020. On this occasion, he had the opportunity to visit an ERW risk education training of trainers course, which has been conducted for the first time in the Republic of Serbia.
On the second day of his visit, SMAC arranged for him to meet with representatives of the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, as the focal point for the victim assistance in the Republic of Serbia, and with a representative of ITF Enhancing Human Security.
After the presentation of Mr Alizada and his highlighting of the key points which a State Party has in the process of fulfilment its victim assistance obligations, commitment and readiness of the relevant national authorities of the Republic of Serbia to fulfil their obligations under the Ottawa Convention was expressed at the meeting.
We would like to thank the Implementation Support Unit and their expert Mr Firoz Alizadа for visiting Serbia and sharing expert advice on ways in which the Republic of Serbia can improve the fulfilment of its obligations towards this key issue.
