Banning Anti-Personnel Mines - The Ottawa Treaty Explained (International Committee of the Red Cross , 1998, 24 p.): 2. The Ottawa treaty: (introduction...)

Banning Anti-Personnel Mines - The Ottawa Treaty Explained (International Committee of the Red Cross , 1998, 24 p.)

2. The Ottawa treaty

		*(introduction...)*
		2.1 What is an anti-personnel mine?
		2.2 The elements of a comprehensive ban treaty
		2.3 Addressing the problem: mine clearance and assistance to victims
		2.4 Entry into force
		2.5 Ensuring compliance with the treaty
		2.6 Reservations
		2.7 Withdrawal

(introduction...)

While the security of those living in mine-contaminated regions will remain threatened until the mines are destroyed or removed from the ground, ending the use of anti-personnel mines is central to efforts to spare future generations from the horror of these weapons. The Ottawa treaty is an important step towards this goal because it establishes a comprehensive ban on the devices. That is, it not only prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines in all situations, it also forbids their development, production, stockpiling, and transfer. In addition, it requires the destruction of such mines, whether held in stockpiles or already emplaced in the ground.