Historic Day for the Landmine Ban Movement

On March 1, 1999, in places of worship all over the world, bells were rung to commemorate the entry-into-force of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, also known as the Ottawa Treaty. The treaty obligates its parties to cease deployment of landmines, destroy stockpiles, clear mine-infested land, and assist victims of mine-related injuries. The bell-ringing affirmed the commitment of communities of faith to support the Ottawa Treaty and the global humanitarian movement to rid the world of this indiscriminate weapon.

Among all the devastating tools of war, anti- personnel landmines (APLs) present a unique horror. Deployed during wartime to hamper troop movement, landmines do not go away when troops depart. They may remain active for decades until finally killing or maiming an unsuspecting farmer, traveler, or child. Estimates are that about 100 million APLs lurk in 68 countries. About 500 people fall victim to APLs every week. Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher has described landmines as "weapons of mass destruction in slow motion."

The Ottawa Treaty, first signed by 122 nations on December 3, 1997, culminated seven years of consciousness-raising, organizing, and advocacy by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). The ICBL, comprised of over 1,300 non-governmental organizations in 75 countries, helped to negotiate the treaty and continues to call for signatures and ratifications. The Campaign and its coordinator, Jody Williams, were awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for these efforts.

As of February 1999, 133 countries had signed the convention and 58 had ratified. However, the United States has, thus far, refused to sign.

The U.S. position on a landmines ban

The U.S. participated grudgingly in treaty negotiations. During sessions held in Oslo in September 1997, the U.S. proposed several exceptions to the comprehensive ban, including an exemption for its own use of APLs on the Korean Peninsula. These proposals received little support as they were inconsistent with the fundamental goal of the process: to forge an agreement banning all APLs without any exceptions or exemptions.

By remaining outside the international norm which the Ottawa Treaty now represents, the U.S. stands with China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan: countries that are among the world's major APL producers and users. Without U.S. leadership and example, these countries feel little pressure to join a ban.

The Pentagon continues to insist on its "right to maintain mines in Korea", despite agreement among other military analysts that a North Korean invasion into South Korea could be suppressed easily without APLs. The Pentagon has also insisted that there are no suitable alternatives to APLs that protect anti-tank mine systems.

To respond to the latter objection, Sen. Leahy (VT), a longtime champion of a ban and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped to secure $71 million for several anti-landmine initiatives in the FY99 Department of Defense budget bill. The money will fund a report on alternatives to landmines that comply with the Mine Ban Treaty and other humanitarian law, along with demining programs and assistance to APL survivors.

A strategic shift in U.S. policy

In response to congressional and public pressure, the Clinton Administration released, on May 21, 1998, a Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) which asserts that it is now U.S. policy to sign the Ottawa Treaty by 2006. We applaud this decision. The issue has changed from whether the U.S. will sign to when it will sign. However, the PDD contains ambiguous conditions and does not legally bind any future officeholder.

At ceremonies marking the entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty, Sen. Leahy announced a new legislative initiative which he plans to introduce. Watch our web site and weekly Legislative Action Message for updates.

FCNL, working in concert with the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines (USCBL), a coalition of 235 organizations coordinated by the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, continues to seek U.S. signature of the Ottawa Treaty now. We also want the U.S. to increase funding for APL survivor and civilian humanitarian demining programs worldwide.