"Universalization" means getting as many states as possible on board the Mine Ban Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions. The ICBL works relentlessly to promote universalization, in partnership with states and key partners such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and United Nations agencies. In order to achieve a truly universal ban on landmines and cluster munitions, non-state armed groups must also be encouraged to ban these weapons.
Mine Ban Treaty
Universalization of the Mine Ban Treaty is key to ensure that the goal of "ending the suffering caused by landmines" can be achieved and that the emerging international norm of a total ban on antipersonnel landmines continues to take hold. The ICBL urges all states that still remain outside the treaty to join it at the earliest opportunity.
Eighty percent of the world’s countries have agreed to be bound by the Mine Ban Treaty, and many others have indicated their intention to join in the future. Find here the list of all States Parties, some key dates (ratification/accession, entry into force) as well as their deadlines for stockpile destruction and mine clearance.
Most of the countries that have not joined the treaty yet, abide de facto by its provisions and have stopped using, selling and – in many cases - producing landmines. Find here the list of countries that still remain outside the treaty, including signatories that have not yet ratified.
Non-state armed groups are using antipersonnel mines in more countries than government forces. In order to achieve a truly universal ban on these weapons, non-state armed groups must be encouraged to ban them. A significant number of non-state armed groups have already pledged to halt landmine use.
Convention on Cluster Munitions
The convention was adopted in Dublin, Ireland, in May 2008, and signed on 3 and 4 December 2008 in Oslo, Norway. It will enter into force on 1 August 2010. Campaigners from the ICBL and the Cluster Munition Coalition, along with committed states and international organizations, are working hard to ensure as many states as possible join the convention.
Find here the list of countries that have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and those that have deposited their ratification instrument.
Find here the list of countries that have yet to sign the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Cluster submunitions which may be fired by shell or rocket are complex weapons, not commonly found in the arsenals of non-state armed groups. Few insurgencies have the capacity to maintain and deliver these weapons.
