WVCBL/PSALM Celebrate the Anniversary of the Mine Ban Treaty – West Virginia Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Bombs

PSALM students hosted a celebration and recognition of Sri Lanka’s announcement that they will accede to the Mine Ban Treaty and the push to “Finish the Job” for a mine-free world by 2025. Students also met to prepare for a school/community-wide, “Lend Your Leg” awareness day to be held in recognition of the April 4^th International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

The U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to send the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty to the Senate for its advice and consent before he leaves office. Human Rights Watch, which chairs the coalition, signed the letter together with representatives of the American Friends Service Committee, Arms Control Association, Center for Civilians in Conflict, Handicap International U.S., Legacies of War, Roots of Peace, and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF as well as PSALM/West Virginia Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Bombs and U.S. landmine survivor Ken Rutherford.

Students noted at the anniversary of the Mine Ban Treaty and the founding of PSALM that it is beyond time for the U.S. to join the treaty. A

PSALM student representative said, “As we celebrate the many achievements of the Mine Ban Treaty, let us not forget, the U.S has not, as of yet, joined the treaty. Our work continues!”