However, this may be due to more readily quantifiable demining information available and the dearth of detailed victim assistance information at the time of the treaty signing. Moreover, putting time limits on victim assistance is difficult since the rehabilitative process last a lifetime and discrimination against the disabled continues even in the most advanced legalistic and economically developed states. This chapter's claim is that all state parties, irrespective of poverty, wealth or level of economic development, can provide for mine victim assistance. Specifically, if States Parties understand the definition and spirit of victim assistance they would better understand that they are in a position to provide victim assistance. This assistance does not necessarily have to be delivered through programs.
Victim assistance can take place through programs and policy.
The definition of victim assistance is comprehensive and is not restricted to the provision of medical treatment for initial traumatic injuries sustained from landmine explosions and the provision of prosthetics. Victim assistance also includes the provision of ongoing treatment to aid in the physical therapy, mental and emotional rehabilitation of survivors and their families. These activities can take the form of continued rehabilitative care, the provision of psychological and social counseling, vocational training, and broader public advocacy for disability rights and judicial reform aimed at removing barriers to persons with disabilities in an effort to achieve integration into society. For example, if a state does not have the financial resources to provide direct victim assistance, it can contribute through policy changes to help the survivors become more fully integrated into society's economic and social realms. Legislation and Public Awareness State Parties can enact and enforce national legislation to promote effective treatment, care and protection for all disabled citizens, including landmine survivors.