The International Campaign to Ban Landmines

Founded by Handicap International and five other NGOs in 1992, today this network is made up of 1,400 organisations throughout the world. Supported by various leaders, numerous military and political figures and most of all by millions of ordinary citizens, the NGOs are continuing to lobby governments to obtain a worldwide landmine ban. 

A Ban Treaty

This incredible support and the crucial intervention of countries such as Canada led to the signing, in 1997, of the Convention which bans the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of antipersonnel mines and makes provision for their destruction (the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty). It was the first time in history that a disarmament treaty was obtained so quickly (in just five years) through worldwide public pressure. The same year the NGOs that make up the International Campaign received the Nobel Peace Prize.

The importance of media coverage

Mass media support has proved to be an excellent way of putting pressure on decision makers. Memorable events such as the Shoe Pyramids in France and the “Broken Chair” in front of the United Nations building in Geneva had a strong emotional impact on the international community. The Ottawa Treaty would never have come together so quickly had it not been for the support of celebrities.

The fight must go on

Although today 154 out of 194 states have signed the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty, around twenty countries still have no plans to stop using landmines in the short term (China, Cuba, Egypt, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, United States of America) Public support for the campaign must therefore continue. That is why Handicap International and the NGOs which make up the International Campaign are once again calling upon the international community to publicly condemn the States which disseminate these weapons (banned by 75% of states in the world); to continue to work towards making the Treaty universal; and to increase its financial contribution to anti-mine initiatives.