March 1, 2021 marks 22 years since the life saving Mine Ban Treaty entered into force following much hard work and the cooperative efforts of civil society, the ICRC, States and the United Nations.
We celebrate the progress made, lives saved and rights ensured for landmine survivors since the treaty became international law. We also welcome renewed commitment by States and the mine ban community at large, towards a Mine Free 2025.
Sometimes referred to as the Ottawa Convention, the Mine Ban Treaty is officially titled: the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. It was adopted in 1997 and it entered into force on March 1st, 1999.
When a country joins the Mine Ban Treaty, they commit to:
- never use antipersonnel mines, nor to develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile, retain, or transfer them
- destroy mines in their stockpiles within four years
- clear all mined areas in their territory within 10 years
- in mine-affected countries, conduct mine risk education and ensure the exclusion of civilians from mined areas
- provide assistance for the care and rehabilitation, and social and economic reintegration, of mine victims
- offer assistance to other States Parties, for example in providing for survivors or contributing to clearance programs
- adopt national implementation measures (such as national legislation) to ensure that the terms of the treaty are upheld in their territory
- report annually on progress in implementing the treaty.
