The Sub-Commission concluded its 2003 session today. The final report was adopted, concluding speeches given, and good-byes exchanged. Next year's session is scheduled from July 26, 2004 to August 13, 2004.
We've updated the final voting results of the session, together with an analytical summary of each resolution and decision, on the voting page of this site. A copy of this summary was handed out at the Sub-Commission this morning, with many persons indicating that it was very helpful for them.
Final statistics of the 2003 session were announced today by Mrs. Warzazi, the Sub-Commission chairperson. There were 29 experts and alternates who attended the session this year. A total of 269 governments attended compared with 321 last year. Fifty-eight intergovernmental organizations participated, versus 54 last year. The number of NGO's has declined substantially-- 498 NGO's this year, compared to 674 last year.
Of the total speaking time during the session, expert members used 25 hours, 17 minutes, NGO's 13 hours, 26 minutes, governments 1 hour, 47 minutes, and intergovernmental organizations, 58 minutes.
These numbers seem to indicate that, while the Sub-Commission continues to take up important topics, overall interest in its proceedings has declined considerably since 2000 when it lost its right to vote on country resolutions during its item 2 debate. This year also marked the fewest number of experts who spoke during the item 2 debate itself (only 10 of 25 possible members spoke).
The grassy square which is opposite the front entrance to the UN building has a tribute to victims of landmines, a sculpture of a large wooden chair. One leg of the chair is missing, symbolizing the loss of a leg or arm. Juxtaposed against the busy bus and pedestrian traffic in which it sits, the tribute is a poignant "stop & think" message about the human toll from landmines.
