It is still necessary to walk carefully in mine-infested Angola. (Lolín Menendez rscj/JRS

The problem of landmines, especially anti-personnel landmines, persists. Much has been achieved by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) including the  Mine Ban Treaty (MBT) (Dec 1997), in force as international law since March 1999; much remains to be done.

Forty (40) countries have yet to join the treaty including 3 permanent members of the UN Security Council – China, Russia, USA, all ‘big players’. Thirteen (13) countries– Burma/Myanmar, China, Cuba, India, Iran, North Korea, South Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, USA, Vietnam -  continue to produce landmines or reserve the right to do so. However a number of countries outside the MBT have an export moratorium in place, and this is a positive.

At least 3 governments have continued to use mines in the latest reporting period, as have non-state armed groups in at least 10 countries. Despite significant destruction of stockpiles of mines, considerable stockpiles (approx 160 millions) still exist, the largest in China, Russia, and the USA.

At least 78 countries have been identified as being mine-affected; the number of mines remaining in the ground at this time is still very high – millions, perhaps hundreds of millions.

Mines continue to claim victims – dead or severely injured, so the total of mine victims needing assistance continues to rise.  While data is often incomplete, the 2006 Landmine Monitor Report estimate of annual casualties is 15,000 – 20,000, with the global total of mine survivors approximately 350,000 – 400,000, and perhaps as high as 500,000.

The challenge to every reader of this message, especially those in countries outside the treaty, is

• to look at the ICBL website for the 2006 report then focus on the relevant country report   
• and then reflect alone, next discuss with family and/or friends,     
• and resolve NOW to work towards developments/changes necessary to achieve a) a total ban on production, transfer and use of antipersonnel landmines and b) adequate ongoing provision for the care and support of all victims – individuals, families, communities, countries – of this horrendous, cowardly weapon.

RSCJ and alumnae in countries still outside the MBT are urged to do all in their power – and then some more – to bring their countries into the Treaty.

Click here for The Landmine Monitor Report 2006  
Click here for a useful summary of the major findings

Patricia Coyle rscj
Province of Australia-New Zealand