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What is the current status of the treaty banning landmines?

Leta Macak

Well, to be honest, I'm not sure what the current status of the treaty banning landmines is. I haven't been following the news on this topic for a while, but I think it's a crucial issue that needs more attention.

From what I remember, the treaty banning landmines was adopted back in 1997 and aimed to eliminate the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines worldwide. It was a significant step towards fostering peace and reducing the humanitarian impact of war.

However, many countries still use mines and have not signed the treaty, including the US, Russia, and China. The use of these weapons has caused severe harm to civilians, particularly in conflict-affected regions, where they can remain active and deadly long after a conflict ends.

Despite this, there have been some positive developments in recent years. For example, in 2020, Mozambique and Zambia declared themselves free of landmines, becoming the first African nations to do so. This milestone shows that the treaty is making progress in achieving its mission.

Moreover, there have been efforts to strengthen the treaty. In 2019, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) launched the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, which provides an annual global overview of the current situation regarding landmines and cluster munitions.

In summary, although there is still much work to be done, the treaty banning landmines has made strides in promoting peace and security globally. The efforts made by ICBL and the nations that have declared themselves mine-free show that we're moving in the right direction.