Ottawa Convention Latest News
Finland’s parliament voted in favour of withdrawing the country from the Ottawa Convention that bans the use of anti-personnel landmines amid concerns over a military threat posed by neighbouring Russia.
About Ottawa Convention
- It is also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention or Mine Ban Treaty.
- It is the cornerstone of the international effort to end the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines.
- It prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines
- It was adopted on 18 September 1997 in Oslo, Norway and entered into force in 1999.
- The state Parties must destroy their stockpiled mines within four years after their accession to the Convention.
- Members: 165 countries (India is not a member of this convention)
States Party to the Ottawa Treaty commit to
- Never use anti-personnel mines, nor to “develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile, retain or transfer” them;
- Clear mined areas in their territory within 10 years;
- In mine-affected countries, conduct mine risk education and ensure that mine survivors, their families and communities receive comprehensive assistance;
- Offer assistance to other States Parties, for example in providing for survivors or contributing to clearance programs;
- Adopt national implementation measures (such as national legislation) in order to ensure that the terms of the treaty are upheld in their territory.
Source: DD News
Ottawa Convention FAQs
Q1: What did the Ottawa Convention do?
Ans: The Ottawa Treaty bans anti-personnel mines
Q2: Is India part of the Ottawa Convention?
Ans: India has not signed the treaty.
