News

Iran: Kurdish Armed Group Declares Non-Use of Antipersonnel Mines

The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) has declared that it will not use antipersonnel landmines, Swiss-based NGO Geneva Call announced in a press release on 5 December 2007.

ICBL News - November 2007

Welcome to the November 2007 issue of ICBL news!

Contents include an editorial by Nobel Laureate Jody Williams; articles on: universalization of the Mine Ban Treaty in the Middle East and North Africa, Handicap International's programme of survivor advocates for a ban on cluster munitions, engaging non-state armed groups in Kashmir, and the latest issue of Landmine Monitor Report; as well as reports from activities and news in brief.

Speaking Out Against Cluster Munitions

(04/12/2007, last updated: 04/12/2007) Read more »

Other news from the ICBL and Campaigners

(04/12/2007, last updated: 04/12/2007) Read more »

10th Anniversary of the Mine Ban Treaty’s Negotiation Celebrated in Oslo

(04/12/2007, last updated: 04/12/2007) Read more »

Five Days of Film Screenings and Public Discussions on Landmines and Cluster Bombs in Monaco and Paris

(04/12/2007, last updated: 04/12/2007) Read more »

Too Many States Not on Course to Meet Mine Clearance Deadlines: Landmine Monitor Report 2007 Released on 12 November

(04/12/2007, last updated: 04/12/2007) Read more »

“Success in Progress” Toward a Mine Free World

Focus on the Middle East and North Africa

(04/12/2007, last updated: 04/12/2007) Read more »

10th anniversary Interview Opportunities

The Mine Ban Treaty was signed in Ottawa, Canada, on 3 December 1997 largely as a result of civil society pressure and mobilization under the umbrella of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). The ICBL was awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with its then coordinator Ms Jody Williams for its role in achieving the treaty.

Ten years on, civil society activists, mine action operators and landmine survivors are still hard at work to ensure that the whole world abides by the mine ban and that the words of the treaty become reality for mine affected communities and individuals.

The Mine Ban Treaty: A Success in Progress

Ten years ago today, the treaty banning the use, production, trade and stockpiling of antipersonnel mines was signed in Ottawa, Canada by 122 states. Today the treaty can undoubtedly be considered a success, but it is still a "work in progress" as much remains to be done to achieve its goal of a world free of the suffering caused by landmines.

CMC Press Release: Survivors and States Join Forces Against Cluster Bombs

Belgrade, 4 October 2007 - Cluster bomb survivors gathered in Serbia this week to ensure their rights were at the heart of international efforts to ban the weapon by 2008. Twenty-two of the 26 affected states participated in the Belgrade Conference of States Affected by Cluster Munitions, the latest development in the Oslo Process for a new treaty banning these weapons, which has gathered the support of 82 countries in just seven months.

ICBL Delegation Visits Oman to Encourage Accession to the Mine Ban Treaty

A delegation from the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) visited the Sultanate of Oman on 28 October as part of the organization’s efforts to promote adherence to the Mine Ban Treaty and received positive indications that the country could accede to the treaty in the near future.

Swiss CBL press release 4,800 Kilometres by Bike - Double Amputee Cyclist Armin Köhli Meets Sports and Humanitarian Challenge

After riding his bike for 4,800 km across 13 countries in Europe and the Middle East, Swiss cyclist Armin Köhli - a double amputee - will reach today the Jordanian shores of the Dead Sea. His arrival is timed for the opening of the Eighth Meeting of States Parties, which will begin tomorrow in Jordan.

Eighth Meeting of States Parties Reinvigorates Mine Ban Treaty

Amman, 22 November - The Eighth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty concluded today in Jordan, one of only seven states parties to the treaty in the Middle East and North Africa. The meeting was attended by 115 countries as well as representatives from civil society and international agencies. Over 250 members of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), also attended the meeting.