Making the Treaties Work

To ensure that no one ever uses antipersonnel mines or cluster munitions and that the consequences of past use of these weapons are addressed, the treaties contain a series of prohibitions and obligations related to disarmament and humanitarian action. The ICBL advocates to make sure these prohibitions are respected and these obligations are fulfilled.

Mine Ban Treaty

Disarmament

The use, stockpiling, production and transfer of antipersonnel mines are prohibited. Stockpiles of mines must be destroyed within four years.

Mine Clearance

All antipersonnel mines in all mined areas under the jurisdiction or control of a State Party must be cleared within 10 years.

Victim Assistance

Assistance must be provided for the care, rehabilitation, and social and economic reintegration of victims.

Other Obligations

States Parties must: submit annual transparency reports, adopt national implementation measures such as legislation, and address cases of non-compliance.

Inspired by Jody Williams' TED talk?

In a recent TEDWomen talk, ICBL Ambassador Jody Williams recalled that in the ICBL, it is collective action that made change possible. "One of the things that made this campaign work is that we grew from 2 NGOs to thousands in 90 countries, working together in common cause to ban landmines… It was the actions together of all of us that brought about that change. In my view what we need today is people getting up and taking action…" she said. Find out here how you can take action now for a mine-free world!

Cambodian Deaths: A Cruel Reminder of the Need to Accelerate Mine Clearance

Landmines claim victims around the globe every day and continue to threaten civilians long after the end of conflicts. An antivehicle mine explosion that killed 13 Cambodian civilians on 16 November comes as a cruel reminder of the need to accelerate life-saving mine clearance work in all contaminated areas.

A Finite Problem That Can Be Resolved

On 25 October 2010 as Disarmament Week opened, the ICBL addressed the United Nations' First Committee on Disarmament and International Security. Zach Hudson from the United States Campaign to Ban Landmines called on all states to ensure the landmine issue remains high on the disarmament agenda: "We as civil society, governments, and international organizations, can and have made a big difference," he said. "Our work is not done yet, but it is a finite problem that can be resolved."

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