International campaign to ban landmines

Definition

The international campaign to ban landmines is a global movement aimed at eliminating the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines, which pose significant humanitarian and safety risks in post-conflict areas. This campaign emphasizes the role of non-state actors, particularly NGOs and civil society organizations, in advocating for policy changes and raising awareness about the devastating impacts of landmines on civilians.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The international campaign to ban landmines gained momentum in the 1990s, catalyzed by the humanitarian crisis caused by landmines in countries like Cambodia and Afghanistan.
2. One of the key achievements of the campaign was the establishment of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) in 1992, which brought together various NGOs and advocates.
3. The campaign successfully lobbied for the Ottawa Treaty, which has been signed by over 160 countries, significantly reducing the use of landmines globally.
4. Landmines disproportionately affect civilians, causing injuries and fatalities long after conflicts have ended, highlighting the urgent need for action from civil society.
5. The campaign continues to focus on not just banning landmines but also on helping affected communities through mine clearance efforts and support for victims.

Review Questions

• How did non-state actors contribute to the success of the international campaign to ban landmines?
  • Non-state actors, particularly NGOs and civil society organizations, played a crucial role in advocating for a ban on landmines by raising awareness of their humanitarian impacts. They organized campaigns, conducted research, and lobbied governments to join international treaties like the Ottawa Treaty. The collaboration among these groups fostered a strong global network that pressured state actors to take action against the use of landmines.
• Evaluate the impact of the Ottawa Treaty as a result of the international campaign to ban landmines on global governance.
  • The Ottawa Treaty represents a landmark achievement in global governance resulting from the international campaign to ban landmines. By prohibiting the use of anti-personnel mines and establishing norms for disarmament, it shifted international discourse towards humanitarian concerns. The treaty's widespread adoption demonstrates how collective action led by non-state actors can influence state behavior and create binding commitments that enhance global security.
• Analyze how ongoing challenges in landmine-affected regions highlight the need for continued advocacy beyond initial bans.
  • Despite the successes of the international campaign to ban landmines and treaties like the Ottawa Treaty, ongoing challenges such as persistent contamination in post-conflict areas underscore the need for continued advocacy. Many affected regions still struggle with unexploded ordnance, posing risks to civilian populations. Advocacy must now shift towards comprehensive mine action strategies that include clearance operations, community education on risks, and support for victims to truly address the enduring impact of landmines on societies.

Related terms

Ottawa Treaty: An international treaty that was adopted in 1997 to prohibit the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, reflecting the goals of the campaign.

Mine Action: Efforts and activities undertaken to mitigate the impact of landmines and unexploded ordnance, including clearance, risk education, and victim assistance.

Civil Society Organizations: Non-governmental organizations and groups that play a crucial role in advocacy, community engagement, and humanitarian efforts related to landmine issues.