In my country - and I am sure this is the case for many other affected states with limited resources - we are still dealing with the consequences of cluster munitions many years after their use. Despite the fact that we have a victim assistance plan based on a survey identifying the needs of survivors, and despite the fact that we have local organizations ready to provide services, we are not able to secure victim assistance funding.

Like many other states we have asked for assistance, yet we didn't get it.

How can we make sure the future treaty will ensure adequate provisions on assistance?

I think the only answer is to have stronger and clearer provisions included in Article 6. I will suggest some concrete concepts I believe could contribute to the successful implementation of the future Treaty.

First, affected states with limited resources will need the international community's support to implement this treaty. They will need different degrees of financial, technical, and material assistance to clear their lands, destroy their stockpiles, and provide risk education and assistance to victims. Governments in need of assistance should be able to request support, provided that they present clear plans and objectives as well as a detailed needs evaluation and a timeline for implementation. Concretely, I am thinking of a set format for funding requests.

Second, victim assistance should be a fundamental component of Article 6.

Third, as many states suggested in Vienna, provision of assistance should be linked to, and incorporated into, long-term national development plans and building affected states' national capacities for implementation.

Fourth, reporting on all cooperation and assistance, and particularly victim assistance funding from donors and recipients, should be included.

Fifth, Article 6 should refer to the possibility to exchange information on victim assistance. Such assistance may be provided, inter alia, through the United Nations system, international, regional or national organizations, and non-governmental organizations.

Sixth, and this is a point of particular importance to us, a disability perspective should be included in Article 6.

Last but not least, clear reference should be made to the special responsibility of user states to provide financial, technical and material assistance to survivors, their families and communities.

To conclude, congratulations for your hard work! I ask you to be guided by the principle of solidarity and make sure that the strongest possible treaty language on international cooperation and assistance is included in the future Treaty.

Thank you for your attention.