The 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Convention, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of these weapons.
Since the treaty opened for signature, it has led to a virtual halt in global production of anti-personnel mines, and a drastic reduction in their deployment, and more than 40 million stockpiled mines have been destroyed according to the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
To date, 165 States are party to the treaty, over 80% of the worlds governments.
“At a time when civilians face heightened risks from widening conflicts, it is imperative that we strengthen the frameworks that protect human life and dignity,” the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, said in response to the consideration by a few Baltic States to leave the convention.
He urged all States “to adhere to humanitarian disarmament treaties and immediately halt any steps towards their withdrawal,” and appealed to the 32 States that have yet to join the treaty to do so without delay.
Guterres to launch life-saving campaign strengthening mine action worldwide
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