News

Afghanistan: Kidnapped deminers should be immediately released

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) today condemned the recent kidnapping of a group of Afghan deminers and called for the immediate release of the six men still being held captive. Unfortunately, attacks on deminers are not infrequent in Afghanistan and, if action is not taken to curb them, they risk jeopardising vital clearance operations.

ICBL condemns Russian use of cluster munitions in Georgia

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) strongly condemned Russia today for the use of cluster bombs in Georgia which resulted in at least 11 civilians being killed and dozens injured.

Somalia: Puntland authorities destroy antipersonnel mines

On 24 July 2008 in Somalia, the Puntland Mine Action Centre, with technical support from Mines Advisory Group, destroyed 48 stockpiled antipersonnel mines near Garowe. This was the first officially recorded destruction of antipersonnel mine stocks in Puntland.

Afghanistan: ICBL concerned by Taliban mine use allegations

The reports of antipersonnel mine use by the Taliban received over the past 18 months are very worrying as – if confirmed – they would signal a shift from the Taliban’s publicly declared policy of endorsing the mine ban.

Western Sahara: Polisario Front continues destruction of its antipersonnel landmine stockpile and clearance of cluster submunitions

On 21 May, the Polisario Front destroyed 2,000 antipersonnel mines at Tifariti in Western Sahara. According to data provided by Polisario, this included mines of Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, Belgian, Romanian, former Yugoslav and Soviet manufacture.

ICBL NEWS - JUNE 2008

This issue, published on the occasion of the Intersessional Standing Committees Meeting held in Geneva from 2 to 5 June 2008 contains articles on the process to request extensions for clearance deadlines; the new Cluster Munitions Convention; celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Mine Ban Treaty; the Miss Landmine initiative; universalization of the Mine Ban Treaty; mine-related news and updates from ICBL members around the world.

Campaign News

Activities updates from ICBL members and supporters in countries including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Greece, India, Iraq, Italy, Nepal, Poland, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, USA and more.

News in Brief

Mine-related news from around the world.

Ten Years of the Mine Ban Treaty: Campaigners Around the World Celebrate the Success and Call for More Progress Towards a Mine-free World

The 1997 Mine Ban Treaty was the result of efforts of individuals and groups around the world, committed to changing a vision into reality. To celebrate these efforts and commitment the ICBL launched the 10th Anniversary Support Program to support national campaigns in the organization of anniversary events and further advocacy work at the national level.

The Mine Ban Treaty Comes Home: Celebrations in Ottawa

Between 28 November and 9 December Mines Action Canada coordinated a series of events celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Ottawa Treaty.

Poland: Why Not?

While government officials continue to repeat that Poland’s ratification of the Mine Ban Treaty is conditional upon the emplacement of “alternative means of defence”, for which a deadline is set in 2015, the ICBL believes that accession is possible even before the set date.

Miss Landmine: Friend or Foe?

Amid the glamour, camera flashes, anticipation and nerves typical of beauty pageants, the first “Miss Landmine” was crowned in the Angolan capital, Luanda, on 2 April 2008.

The Sky’s the Limit: Historical Process Against Cluster Munitions Enters Next Phase

On 30 May 2008, after two weeks of intense negotiations, 111 states adopted the text of a new Convention banning cluster munitions because of their unacceptable humanitarian consequences.

Article 5 Deadline Extension Process: Clearance Obligation’s Credibility at Stake

Interview with Tamar Gabelnick, ICBL Treaty Implementation Director

Mine Ban Treaty: Failure is Not an Option

As the world welcomes the adoption of a new convention banning cluster munitions, the Mine Ban Treaty enters a critical phase that will test the real determination of States Parties to continue to turn the words of the treaty into real change for affected communities.