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During the "Diplomatic Conference on an International Total Ban on Anti-
Personnel Landmines" in Oslo, Norway from 1-18 September 1997, 89
governments met to discuss and negotiate the final text of the Mine Ban
Treaty. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), in what is
believed to be the first occasion when NGOs were given official status in
international negotiations of a disarmament treaty, was invited as an
official observer with the same status as observer governments, with the
exception of voting rights. The conference negotiations resulted in a
strong treaty prohibiting antipersonnel mines with "no exceptions,
reservations or loopholes." ICBL member Norwegian People's Aid
facilitated the ICBL's participation in this historic meeting.
Language: English
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