News

President of the 8th Meeting of the States Parties visits Poland to urge ratification

On 25-27 August, Prince Mired Raad Al-Hussein of Jordan, President of the 8th Meeting of the States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, visited Poland to urge Polish authorities to ratify the treaty without further delay.

Support the ICBL through the U.S. Combined Federal Campaign

In 2008, U.S. Federal employees can support the ICBL through the Combined Federal Campaign - the world's largest workplace fundraising drive.

Afghanistan: Kidnapped deminers should be immediately released

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) today condemned the recent kidnapping of a group of Afghan deminers and called for the immediate release of the six men still being held captive. Unfortunately, attacks on deminers are not infrequent in Afghanistan and, if action is not taken to curb them, they risk jeopardising vital clearance operations.

Another Step Closer to a Mine-free Middle East: Iraq Accedes to the Mine Ban Treaty Becoming the 155th State Party

On 15 August 2007, Iraq acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty, bringing the total number of States Parties to 155, seven of which are in the Middle East and North Africa. By joining the treaty, Iraq has committed to never again use, produce, acquire, or export antipersonnel mines. It has also committed to destroy stockpiled mines in four years and to clear minefields in ten years.

ICBL condemns Russian use of cluster munitions in Georgia

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) strongly condemned Russia today for the use of cluster bombs in Georgia which resulted in at least 11 civilians being killed and dozens injured.

The Ban Bus - Touring Ireland to Raise Awareness about Cluster Munitions

In the lead-up to the Dublin Diplomatic Conference (19-30 May) where governments will negotiate a treaty to ban cluster munitions, campaigners John Rodsted and Mette Eliseusen are touring Ireland on a bus to raise awareness of the cluster munitions issue.

Somalia: Puntland authorities destroy antipersonnel mines

On 24 July 2008 in Somalia, the Puntland Mine Action Centre, with technical support from Mines Advisory Group, destroyed 48 stockpiled antipersonnel mines near Garowe. This was the first officially recorded destruction of antipersonnel mine stocks in Puntland.

Kashmir Insurgency Bans Use of Antipersonnel Landmines

(04/12/2007, last updated: 25/07/2008) Read more »

Campaign News

Activities updates from ICBL members and supporters in countries including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Greece, India, Iraq, Italy, Nepal, Poland, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, USA and more.

Afghanistan: ICBL concerned by Taliban mine use allegations

The reports of antipersonnel mine use by the Taliban received over the past 18 months are very worrying as – if confirmed – they would signal a shift from the Taliban’s publicly declared policy of endorsing the mine ban.

Intersessional Standing Committees Meetings, 2-6 June 2008, Geneva - Switzerland

The Intersessional Standing Committees Meetings will take place from 2 to 6 June 2008 at the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), Avenue de la Paix 7bis (WMO Building), Geneva, Switzerland.

Western Sahara: Polisario Front continues destruction of its antipersonnel landmine stockpile and clearance of cluster submunitions

On 21 May, the Polisario Front destroyed 2,000 antipersonnel mines at Tifariti in Western Sahara. According to data provided by Polisario, this included mines of Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, Belgian, Romanian, former Yugoslav and Soviet manufacture.

ICBL NEWS - JUNE 2008

This issue, published on the occasion of the Intersessional Standing Committees Meeting held in Geneva from 2 to 5 June 2008 contains articles on the process to request extensions for clearance deadlines; the new Cluster Munitions Convention; celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Mine Ban Treaty; the Miss Landmine initiative; universalization of the Mine Ban Treaty; mine-related news and updates from ICBL members around the world.

Ten Years of the Mine Ban Treaty: Campaigners Around the World Celebrate the Success and Call for More Progress Towards a Mine-free World

The 1997 Mine Ban Treaty was the result of efforts of individuals and groups around the world, committed to changing a vision into reality. To celebrate these efforts and commitment the ICBL launched the 10th Anniversary Support Program to support national campaigns in the organization of anniversary events and further advocacy work at the national level.

The Mine Ban Treaty Comes Home: Celebrations in Ottawa

Between 28 November and 9 December Mines Action Canada coordinated a series of events celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Ottawa Treaty.