"All States Should Join the Convention and Forswear Use of Cluster Munitions Forever"

The Convention on Cluster Munitions takes effect on 1 August 2010! Nobel Peace Laureate and ICBL Ambassador Jody Williams welcomed the entry into force of the convention in a press statement on 29 July. "Our experience in over a decade of Mine Ban Treaty implementation shows that the hard work must start right now if states are to overcome the major humanitarian challenge posed by cluster munitions," she said. Read the full press statement here.

Bringing the U.S. on board the Mine Ban Treaty -- Make your voice heard!

Avaaz.org has launched a petition calling on the United States to join the Mine Ban Treaty. Add your voice to those of the tens of thousands of persons who have already signed! The United States is the world's largest individual contributor for mine action and mine victim assistance programs, and it should match its financial commitment with a political commitment to end the threat of the use of landmines.

ICBL News, July 2010

Photo: Cambodia Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munitions

The July 2010 edition of the ICBL newsletter is now available online! Read about Central America becoming the world's first mine-free region, the U.S. landmine policy review moving forward, ICBL concerns about Mine Ban Treaty implementation, victim assistance in action, the Monitor launching its country profiles webpage, as well as campaign news from Turkey, Georgia, Senegal, Nepal, Iraq and Uganda.

Intersessional Standing Committees Meetings, 21-25 June 2010, Geneva, Switzerland

ICBL campaigners actively participated in the intersessional Standing Committees meetings held in Geneva from 21-25 June. The ICBL delivered expert statements, made the voice of mine survivors heard, held bilateral meetings with states and organized side events.

Central America Becomes World's First Landmine-Free Region

As Nicaragua celebrates completion of its mine clearance activities on 18 June 2010, Central America became the world's first landmine-free region. North and Central America, from the Arctic Circle to the Colombian border, are now free from the threat of landmines. This success demonstrates that with sustained efforts a mine-free world is possible.

KEY ISSUES AND EVENTS

Cartagena Summit on a Mine-Free World - Full Report, Statements, Photos, Videos

The Cartagena Action Plan

Tell the U.S. Administration to Join the Mine Ban Treaty! (U.S. Campaign online action)

Tell President Obama to Ban Landmines! (Human Rights Watch online action)

Help Ban Cluster Munitions - Sign the People's Treaty

Mine Clearance Deadlines - Country by Country