It also requires that stockpiles be destroyed within four years of the treaty's entry into force, and that mines already in the ground be removed and destroyed within ten years. The United States has committed to joining the Treaty by the year 2006, if it has identified and fielded suitable alternatives to antipersonnel mines by that time. We urge you to re-state the U.S. commitment to joining the Mine Ban Treaty, accelerate the timetable for doing so, and take interim steps that move the United States closer to the complete eradication of antipersonnel mines. We also urge you to maintain U.S. leadership in support of mine clearance and mine victim assistance programs around the world. Systematic discrimination remains the most significant obstacle to women's enjoyment of their rights worldwide.
Numerous governments maintain and enforce laws that deny women equal rights.
Even those that have wiped discriminatory laws from their books allow de facto discrimination to flourish. However, the United States needs to back up such support by pushing governments to eliminate discrimination from their laws and practices or face condemnation for their denial of women's human rights. Those responsible for the worst atrocities have all too often enjoyed impunity because they acted with state backing or because national justice systems were dysfunctional. The permanent International Criminal Court, which is expected to come into existence in 2002, according to the highest due process and fair trial standards, will hold perpetrators accountable for their deeds. To guarantee fairness and impartiality, the ICC treaty contains numerous safeguards to screen out politically motivated or unwarranted cases.