Landmines

The international Mine Ban Treaty, also referred to as the Ottawa Treaty, bans the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. The treaty further commits states in a position to do so to provide assistance for the care and treatment of landmine survivors, their families and communities, as well as support for mine/ERW risk education programs to help prevent future incidents. The treaty has been joined by over 160 states, including the Netherlands.

Ban landmines now

What is the problem?

The presence of landmines creates risks for civilians at the time of conflict, and long after it has ended. It prevents civilians to return safely to their homes, hinders humanitarian access and prevents farmers to be able to use their land safely.

What has been done?

In 1997 the international Mine Ban Treaty came into being. To date, well over 160 countries have joined, including all European Union countries. A large number of member states to the Mine Ban Treaty have destroyed their stockpiles, together adding up to more than 55 million destroyed landmines. Moreover, the States Parties are under the obligation to clear land that is contaminated by landmines to prevent future humanitarian harm.

What needs to be done?

There are still close to 60 countries that are contaminated with landmines, and new use continues to add to the risks to civilians.

We are a member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and we encourage states to join and strictly implement the Mine Ban Treaty and work together with state towards a world where people can live without fear for antipersonnel landmines.