Thank you, Chair.

I would like to thank the briefers for their valuable insights. Germany, as the second-largest bilateral donor to humanitarian mine action, welcomes today’s discussion, which rightly places mine action in the context of peacebuilding, reconciliation and recovery.

Allow me to highlight four points.

First, mine action is a precondition for peacebuilding and sustainable development - not an add-on. It delivers immediate and visible peace dividends, and should be integrated from the earliest stages of peace processes.

Germany therefore supports a nexus approach, linking mine action with peacebuilding and development efforts. Cambodia’s long-term National Mine Action Policy as well as the integration of mine action into Colombia’s “Total Peace” agenda are excellent examples of the value of this approach. Both show how national ownership and long-term planning can link mine clearance directly to the return of displaced persons, reconstruction and local development.

Second, mine action can serve as an important confidence-building measure. Germany has supported demining programmes in Colombia in which the involvement of former combatants has contributed to reconciliation and trust. Likewise, the Joint Coordinating Task Force established by Cambodia and Thailand last year illustrates how mine action can maintain practical cooperation, even when broader political challenges persist. Germany is proud to make a concrete contribution to these confidence-building measures through the HALO Trust.

Third, mine action must be people-centred, including the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, youth and affected communities. Victim assistance is a cornerstone of Germany’s mine action engagement: It should enable survivors’ full and equal participation in society, and be integrated into national health and social protection systems. We commend Cambodia for adopting the world’s first national mine-action standard on gender and diversity, as well as Colombian civilian operators for reporting some of the highest rates of women's participation in mine action worldwide.

Fourth, national ownership and sustainable capacity-building remain essential. Germany hence supports the empowerment of national authorities and genuine partnerships with local actors. The examples of Colombia and Cambodia underline the importance of strong national institutions, quality management, effective information systems and regional cooperation. At the same time, national ownership requires reliable, multi-year financing to sustain national capacities.

Mr. Chair,

In closing, allow me to underline that the PBC can play an important role in promoting early inclusion of mine action in peacebuilding and recovery efforts. It should also pay particular attention to the transition and residual-risk phase of mine action, when sustained national capacities and financing remain essential for sustainable peace.

Thank you.