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| (photo courtesy of
Sebastiao Salgado) |
Thousands of civilians have died as a result of landmines. The devastation caused by mines is indiscriminate. A mine can lie dormant for decades, long after a peace settlement is declared. Landmines are increasingly used to target and demoralize civilian populations. They are often laid with the express purpose of forcing civilians from their communities. Those who survive the initial mine blast almost always suffer horrific injuries and amputations, and are often left disabled for life. Landmines impede the reconstruction of war-affected societies, the return of refugees and internally displaced people to their communities. They stymie political reconciliation and block humanitarian relief efforts.
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As of
12 June 2001, the Ottawa Treaty has 140
signatories/accessions, 117 ratifications, accessions or
approvals.
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In 1999, after a worldwide campaign, the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on their Destruction entered into force. As of 1 March 2001, the Ottawa Treaty has 133 signatures, 112 parties, and 6 accessions. The Treaty has yielded some progress manufacturing landmines or their components, and all traditional exporters of mines, except Iraq, have officially ceased their activities. The United Nations is coordinating a global effort
Yet, in spite of this accomplishment, the threat of landmines remains acute.
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