Taking place during the first ‘virtual’ meeting of the AP Mine Ban Convention, this side event will consider inclusion as well as the opportunities and potential pitfalls of digital diplomacy. It will explore the ways in which the humanitarian disarmament community has adapted its working methods during the COVID-19 crisis. Which parts of the traditional ways of working do we need to retain? And what aspects of innovation should define a ‘new normal’?
Bonnie Docherty, Associate Director of Armed Conflict and Civilian Protection, Harvard Law School, will introduce an Open Letter from Civil Society on how Humanitarian Disarmament can guide a post-COVID-19 ‘new normal.’
Fatima Nasser Eddine, Rehabilitation Technical Coordinator, HI Yemen, will discuss the impact of COVID-19 and restrictions put in place on vulnerable communities;
Susi Snyder, Humanitarian Disarmament Programme Leader, PAX, will present on, “Digital Diplomacy: Opportunities, Drawbacks, and Lessons Learned from the Pandemic”;
Smart Jisniau, Chief Medic, HALO Zimbabwe,and John Masimba, Driver, HALO Zimbabwe, will discuss how HALO is seeking to deliver mine action safely during COVID-19 and helping to assist the national response.
The event will be moderated by Chris Loughran (Senior Policy Advisor, The HALO Trust).