The Mine Ban Treaty

The Mine Ban Treaty, officially called the Ottawa Treaty, is an international agreement adopted in 1997 that aims to eliminate anti-personnel landmines worldwide. Its goals are to prevent suffering and casualties caused by landmines, assist victims, and clear affected areas. Countries that join commit to not producing, stockpiling, or using landmines, and to destroy existing stockpiles and mined areas. The treaty promotes international cooperation to make communities safer and reduces the lingering dangers of mines long after conflicts end. As of now, over 160 countries are parties to the treaty, working towards a mine-free world.