Presentation - The Problem with Landmines

THE PROBLEM WITH LANDMINES

THE PROBLEM WITH LANDMINES…

IS THEIR HUMANITARIAN IMPACT

• At least 4,000 new casualties in 2009 • 3,000 km2 of contaminated land, in over 70 countries and areas • Over 350 types of landmines have been found since World War I • The most affected countries are among the world’s poorest - including Afghanistan, Cambodia, Colombia, Lao PDR, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Somalia.

LM MAP 2006

THE SOLUTION In 1997, as a result of unprecedented cooperation between civil society and governments, The Ottawa Convention was adopted as a solution to the global scourge of landmines.

•All landmines must be found and destroyed •All landmines survivors must be fully cared for

•All countries must never use or produce landmines again

Treaty Obligations  Clear landmines and teach people about the dangers

©ICRC/V. Ivleva-Yorke/ao-e-00249h

Mine Risk Education ©Sean Sutton, Reuters

©Gaëtan de Beaupuis

Stockpile Destruction

Mine Clearance

Treaty Obligations  Provide for the needs and rights of survivors everywhere

©ICBL-Georgian Committee

Institute For Rehabilitation, Slovenia 2005

Emergency assistance

New limbs and rehabilitation © Amaya Valcárcel

Social reintegration

SUCESSES SO FAR • 156 countries have joined the Ottawa Convention (80% of the world) • Dramatic reduction in the # of casualties • Only a few countries continue to lay new mines • Vast tracts of land have been cleared and are available for development • Destruction of remaining stockpiles

But we still need to finish the job…

Canada is a leader in the international movement to ban landmines.

And so too are the Canadian people!

Ordinary people can have an extraordinary impact

Become part of the global network of activists and campaigners making a mine-free world a reality and not just a dream

©ICRC

TAKE ACTION NOW! www.minesactioncanada.org