Ottawa Convention

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)

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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