International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)
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Articles here date back to 1998 when the ICBL website was first launched.

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2012: THE ICBL'S 20TH BIRTHDAY

1993: Time Magazine Cover  story shows growing momentum on the issue

October 2012 will mark 20 years since the creation of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, founded by six concerned NGOs in New York in 1992.

In its anniversary year the ICBL will challenge the international community to reinvigorate its commitment to reaching a mine-free world, and to put into action the means to achieving this aim within years, not decades.

Click our 20th anniversary logo on the left to visit our dedicated web page - read about the ICBL's history, keep up to date with events, view pictures, download materials and take part in the birthday celebration of this unique global campaign.

(24/01/2012, last updated: 27/01/2012) Read more » ( English )


One million more mines to be destroyed as Finland becomes 159th nation to join landmine ban

More than one million antipersonnel landmines similar to this one - each one capable of taking a life or a limb - will be destroyed in Finland now they have joined the ban. (c) Tim Grant.

(Geneva, 12 January 2012): Finland has become the latest nation to join the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, which comprehensively bans the use, production, trade, and stockpiling of antipersonnel landmines.

Finland deposited its instrument of accession at the United Nations in New York on Monday 9 January 2012, the United Nations has announced.

(12/01/2012, last updated: 13/01/2012) Read more » ( English )


Landmine survivors welcome progress at global mine-ban meeting but say much more to be done as casualty toll continues to rise

Cambodian landmine survivors perform elegant traditional dance before delegates at the 11MSP, celebrating the mine ban movement in Cambodia (c) Giovanni Diffidenti

(Phnom Penh, Friday 2 December 2011): A global conference on the worldwide landmine ban has concluded, with states announcing both promising progress and worrying setbacks in their efforts to eradicate landmines.

(02/12/2011, last updated: 20/12/2011) Read more » ( English )


Cambodia hosts milestone international meeting in the battle against landmines

(Phnom Penh, Monday 28 November 2011): Leading members of the international community are gathered in Cambodia – the cradle of the anti-landmine movement – to push for progress in reducing the harm antipersonnel landmines still cause.

The Eleventh Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty (11MSP) – which 80 per cent of countries have joined – begins today in Phnom Penh.

(28/11/2011, last updated: 28/11/2011) Read more » ( English )


Are you in the U.S.? Donate to the ICBL and help us reach a mine free world this holiday season

Until the end of December 2011 U.S. Federal employees can help support the ICBL’s global campaign to reduce the devastating effect landmines have on thousands of communities as part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the world's largest workplace charity campaign.

(19/11/2011, last updated: 19/11/2011) Read more » ( English )


“I want to hear governments promise that they will do a greater, better job of listening to the real needs of survivors from all over the world”– interview with ICBL Ambassador Song Kosal from Cambodia

On the opening day of the 11MSP, ICBL interviewed Song Kosal from Cambodian Campaign to Ban Landmines. Here Kosal speaks about her experience after a landmine accident and the need to spread the word about landmines.

In the run up to the 11MSP, which is taking place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, between 28 November and 2 December 2011, the ICBL has highlighted the amazing work of some of our campaigners from around the world. Read their stories in their own words and how they are working hard to Push For Progress towards a mine free world

(18/11/2011, last updated: 27/11/2011) Read more » ( English )


“Unless removed, landmines are ever alert for the next victim” – interview with ICBL Ambassador Margaret Arach Orech from Uganda

With just ten days to go until the 11MSP, ICBL interviewed Margaret Arach Orech, ICBL Ambassador from Uganda Landmine Survivors Association. Here Margaret shares her experience as someone who has been directly affected by landmines.

In the run up to the 11MSP, which is being held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, between 28 November and 2 December 2011, the ICBL will be highlighting the amazing work of some of our campaigners from around the world. Read their stories in their own words and how they are working hard to Push For Progress towards a mine free world.

(17/11/2011, last updated: 18/11/2011) Read more » ( English )


Investing in Action: ICBL-CMC 2012 local campaign support project

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), www.icbl.org, and the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), www.stopclustermunitions.org, are launching ‘Investing in Action 2012’, a local campaign support project that will provide organisations that are members of the ICBL-CMC with funding for campaign activities.

(17/11/2011, last updated: 18/11/2011) Read more » ( English )


ICBL statement at the CCW Amended Protocol II conference

On 11 November, Steve Goose - Chair of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines delivered the following statement at the 13th Annual Conference of Amended Protocol II, Convention on Conventional Weapons in Geneva, Switzerland

(14/11/2011, last updated: 14/11/2011) Read more » ( English )


"It is our job to spread the word and keep the issues alive" - interview with ICBL campaigner Jelena Vicentic

With just two weeks to go until the 11MSP, ICBL interviewed Jelena Vicentic, ICBL Campaigner from Assistance Advocacy Access - Serbia. Here Jelena shares her experience from Serbia and calls on governments to take real action in Phnom Penh.

In the run up to the 11MSP, which is being held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, between 28 November and 2 December 2011, the ICBL will be highlighting the amazing work of some of our campaigners from around the world. Read their stories in their own words and how they are working hard to Push For Progress towards a mine free world.

(14/11/2011, last updated: 14/11/2011) Read more » ( English )


World’s newest country makes banning landmines first international commitment

(Geneva, 11 November 2011): The Republic of South Sudan, where thousands live in daily fear of landmines, has become the 158th State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty, just five months after declaring independence.

(12/11/2011, last updated: 20/12/2011) Read more » ( English )


Each day that mine clearance doesn’t happen means new victims - interview with ICBL campaigner Muteber Ögreten from Turkey

With just over two weeks to go until the 11MSP, ICBL interviewed Muteber Ögreten ICBL Campaigner from the Initiative for a Mine Free Turkey. Here Mutebar shares her experience campaigning in an affected country and her views on steps Turkey must take in order to fulfill its treaty obligations.

In the run up to the 11MSP, which is being held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, between 28 November and 2 December 2011, the ICBL will be highlighting the amazing work of some of our campaigners from around the world. Read their stories in their own words and how they are working hard to Push For Progress towards a mine free world.

(11/11/2011, last updated: 11/11/2011) Read more » ( English )


“This generation has a unique opportunity to provide a key contribution in achieving our ultimate goal – a mine free world” - ICBL campaigner Amir Mujanovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina shares his experience of living in a landmine affected country

With three weeks to go until the 11MSP, ICBL interviewed Amir Mujanovic (Muja), the Executive Director of Landmine Survivors Initiatives and ICBL Campaigner. Here Muja shares his experience of working in a country affected by landmines and his work with survivors who have inspired him.

In the run up to the 11MSP, which is being held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, between 28 November and 2 December 2011, the ICBL will be highlighting the amazing work of some of our campaigners from around the world. Read their stories in their own words and how they are working hard to Push For Progress towards a mine free world.

(04/11/2011, last updated: 04/11/2011) Read more » ( English )


ICBL publicly condemns reports of Syrian forces laying mines

(Geneva, 2 November 2011): The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) is highly disturbed by reports that Syrian government forces have laid antipersonnel mines along the Lebanese border. The ICBL condemns all use of this inhumane weapon.

“There is absolutely no justification for the use of these indiscriminate weapons by any country, anywhere, for any reason,” said Kasia Derlicka, Director of ICBL.

The first reports of new mine-laying by Syrian forces surfaced over the weekend. A Syrian official was quoted as saying the mines are meant to prevent arms smuggling. Others have speculated the mines are intended to prevent citizens from fleeing the crackdown on anti-government protests in Syria.

(02/11/2011, last updated: 02/11/2011) Read more » ( English )


Sister Denise Coghlan of the Jesuit Refugee Service and head of the national Cambodian Campaign to Ban Landmines with ICBL Director Kasia Derlicka

To launch the one month countdown to the Eleventh Meeting of States Parties (11MSP), ICBL interviewed Sister Denise Coghlan - Director of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Cambodia and member of the Cambodian Campaign to Ban Landmines.

Sister Denise has been based in Cambodia and involved in the landmine issue and the campaign for more than 20 years. Here she shares her experience, knowledge and passion for the issue and the campaign.

In the run up to the 11MSP, which is being held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, between 28 November and 2 December 2011, the ICBL will be highlighting the amazing work of some of our campaigners from around the world. Read their stories in their own words and how they are working hard to Push For Progress towards a mine free world.

(28/10/2011, last updated: 30/10/2011) Read more » ( English )