Mines Action Canada (MAC) needs endorsement and feedback
on the Youth Declaration to be given at the Nairobi Summit for a mine-free world -
the first review conference of the Ottawa Convention banning landmines - in
November.

Youth attending the "In Our Lifetime" international youth symposium, organised by
MAC and YMAAP (Youth Mine Action Ambassador Programme) in Nairobi, will read out the
Declaration at the high-level segment of the official meeting, and MAC would like to
invite as many youths as possible to endorse the Declaration or provide feedback on
it.

"Youth Declaration to the Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World

Preamble

We, the youth (from # countries, including survivors, and youth from mine affected
communities) hereby affirm our commitment to this Summit as an opportunity to
celebrate achievements in eradicating the scourge of landmines and to agree on a
practical and ambitious plan of action to finish the task of building a mine-free
world. We acknowledge the work of mine action leaders and express our admiration and
respect for their accomplishments.

We recognise both the responsibility, and the potential, that we possess as young
individuals, and the necessity of our taking a leading role in this campaign.

Summative declaration

It is our challenge to maintain the momentum of the campaign and propel it into the
future. We declare our commitment to see that compliance with the Ottawa Convention
becomes universal, that mine clearance and stockpile destruction obligations are
met, that adequate assistance is provided for all survivors, and every mine-affected
community and that donor countries be encouraged to make bold pledges of assistance.

We declare our commitment to encouraging non-member states and non-state actors to
support the treaty.

We declare our commitment to press forward with the fight to rid the world of
landmines, and our determination to finish the job in our lifetime.

No more landmines. No more victims. In our lifetime. We are ready."

Deadline for endorsements/feedback: 15 November 2004. [Source: CRIN]

For more information, contact:
Michael Warren, International Programme Officer
Youth Mine Action Ambassador Programme (YMAAP)
1 Nicholas Street, Suite 1502, Ottawa, ON  K1N 7B7
Tel: + 1 613 241 4141; Fax: + 1 613 244 3410
Email: mwarren@dangermines.ca