THE PROBLEM
WITH LANDMINES
THE PROBLEM WITH LANDMINES…
IS THEIR
HUMANITARIAN IMPACT
• At least 4,000 new casualties in 2009
• 3,000 km2 of contaminated land, in over 70 countries
and areas
• Over 350 types of landmines have been found since
World War I
• The most affected countries are among the world’s
poorest - including Afghanistan, Cambodia, Colombia,
Lao PDR, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Somalia.
LM MAP 2006
THE SOLUTION
In 1997, as a result of unprecedented cooperation
between
civil society and governments,
The Ottawa Convention was adopted as a solution to
the
global scourge of landmines.
•All landmines must be found and destroyed
•All landmines survivors must be fully cared for
•All countries must never use or produce landmines
again
Treaty Obligations
 Clear landmines and teach people about the dangers
©ICRC/V. Ivleva-Yorke/ao-e-00249h
Mine Risk Education
©Sean Sutton, Reuters
©Gaëtan de Beaupuis
Stockpile Destruction
Mine Clearance
Treaty Obligations
 Provide for the needs and rights of survivors everywhere
©ICBL-Georgian Committee
Institute For Rehabilitation, Slovenia 2005
Emergency assistance
New limbs and rehabilitation
© Amaya Valcárcel
Social reintegration
SUCESSES SO FAR
• 156 countries have joined the Ottawa Convention (80%
of the world)
• Dramatic reduction in the # of casualties
• Only a few countries continue to lay new mines
• Vast tracts of land have been cleared and are available
for development
• Destruction of remaining stockpiles
But we still need to finish the job…
Canada is a leader in the
international movement to ban
landmines.
And so too are the Canadian
people!
Ordinary people can have an
extraordinary impact
Become part of the
global network
of activists
and
campaigners making
a mine-free world
a reality and not
just a dream
©ICRC
TAKE ACTION
NOW!
www.minesactioncanada.org