While governments were signing the Mine Ban Treaty in Ottawa, ordinary citizens were invited to make their pledge to the Peoples’ Treaty which stated that:
“It is my strong belief that mines, which may be exploded by the presence or proximity of a person, are morally unacceptable. I fully support the convention on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, transfer and production on antipersonnel mines and on their destruction.
Through their signature, governments promise to officially adopt and ratify the Ottawa Treaty and to comply with all of its terms. These include support for global demining work and assistance for mine victims. Through my signature on the People's treaty, I commit to working to ensure that governments keep these promises.”
Youth Against War
Similarly, youth across the world are promoting their own peace treaty and declaring: “We want no more war. We want no more landmines. We want no more mine victims. We promise to work for peace in our world.”
The Youth Against War Treaty was launched in Ottawa, Canada, on the first anniversary of the signing of the Mine Ban Treaty. Afterwards it was translated into many different languages and taken up by campaigns from Italy to Switzerland, and Brazil to Australia. In 2002 the Youth Against War petition is focused on India and Pakistan.