Ten years with the Mine Ban Cenvention

Landmines continue to kill and maim at random long after the end of a conflict, affecting innocent civilians. They also hinder long-term development. But it was primarily the humanitarian consequences of landmines that resulted in the mobilisation of NGOs, individuals and many states. They all agreed that the use of landmines should be banned. The process towards the Convention involved what was in many ways a unique partnership across geographical boundaries and traditional political dividing lines, a very constructive partnership between states and NGOs. Norwegian NGOs played an active role, particularly Norwegian People’s Aid and the Norwegian Red Cross.

The Mine Ban Convention

The process towards a ban on landmines started in 1996. The campaign met with both scepticism and opposition, despite the obvious humanitarian consequences of landmines for civilians. Many countries felt that it was important to avoid a ban on all types of mines. The Convention therefore applies to anti-personnel mines, which are the type that have the most serious humanitarian effects. It prohibits the use of such mines, requires the destruction of stockpiles and mine clearance, and prohibits their transfer. The Convention also includes provisions on assistance to mine victims and to countries that need help to fulfil their obligations under the Convention. The Mine Ban Convention is the result of cooperation between mine-affected countries in different regions, between developed and developing countries, and between states and NGOs. Throughout the process, this cooperation has been based on a purposeful and practical approach to a humanitarian problem.

The full name of the Convention is the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. It was opened for signing in Ottawa on 3 December 1997, and 122 countries including Norway signed it. The Convention entered into force on 1 March 1999. It has now been ratified by 153 countries. Moreover, it has become an international norm that is followed even by countries that are not parties to the Convention, such as the US and Russia. In other words, it has become an international instrument, and because its provisions are almost universally followed, it has resulted in real improvements in the field. Without the Mine Ban Convention, many more people would have become mine victims, and the numbers killed or maimed would have been much higher.

The Convention has been particularly effective in preventing the transfer and use of landmines, and has resulted in the destruction of almost 40 million stockpiled landmines. Mine clearance operations have been stepped up, and the number of new landmine victims has dropped. Nevertheless, far too many landmines are still killing and injuring civilians every day. Mine clearance must continue. So far, only a few countries have managed to meet their obligations to clear minefields. Many countries are unable to provide mine victims and their families and communities with the support they need. Efforts to ensure compliance with the Mine Ban Convention must therefore continue.