December 3, 1997

In Ottawa, Canada, 122 countries sign the Ottawa Treaty (also known as the Mine Ban Treaty), formally referred to as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction.

Ottawa, Canada | United Nations

Watercolor painting based depiction of In Ottawa, Canada, 122 countries sign the Ottawa Treaty (also known as the Mine Ban Treaty), formally referred to as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. (1997)

Ottawa Treaty Signed on December 3, 1997

On December 3, 1997, in Ottawa, Canada, representatives from 122 countries signed the Ottawa Treaty, formally known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. This event marked a significant milestone in international efforts to address the humanitarian impact of anti-personnel landmines.

Background

The movement toward banning landmines gained momentum in the 1990s due to growing awareness of the devastating effects of these weapons on civilians, long after conflicts had ended. Anti-personnel landmines caused tens of thousands of casualties each year and had severe humanitarian and economic impacts on affected communities.

Key Agitations

  • International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL): Established in 1992, this coalition of non-governmental organizations played a vital role in raising awareness and advocating for a ban.
  • Nobel Peace Prize 1997: The ICBL and its coordinator, Jody Williams, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize just before the Ottawa Treaty was signed, highlighting global recognition of the issue.

Highlights of the Treaty

  • Prohibitions: Signatories are forbidden from using, developing, producing, acquiring, stockpiling, retaining, or transferring anti-personnel mines.
  • Destruction Mandate: Countries must destroy their stockpiles within four years and clear mined areas within ten years.
  • Victim Assistance: The treaty offers frameworks for victim assistance, mine risk education, and technical cooperation for mine clearance and destruction.

Immediate Impact

The signing ceremony in Ottawa was attended by prominent global figures and set a precedent for disarmament treaties influenced by civil society pressure. Many countries began destroying stockpiles, and global awareness heightened about the landmine issue.

Long-term Effects

Though major military powers such as the United States and China initially did not sign the treaty, over 160 countries eventually became parties to it, sharply reducing the number of landmine casualties and encouraging technological innovation in demining practices.

  • Mine Action Programs: Enhanced coordination and funding for mine action programs strengthened efforts to achieve a mine-free world.
  • Global Awareness: Continued advocacy and international cooperation aimed at universalizing the treaty and promoting compliance.

The Ottawa Treaty is often cited as a successful example of international humanitarian law and civilian-led diplomacy, profoundly affecting global disarmament policies and illustrating the power of international collaboration for humanitarian causes.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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