YASAR UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF LAW

USE OF FORCE IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

Ottawa Convention
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Deniz KIZILSÜMER ÖZER

Name: Nilay
Surname: Şam
Student Number: 20050002218
ABSTRACT

The Ottawa Convention, officially known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, was
the result of an international meeting held in Ottawa, Canada in 1997, where member states
signed an agreement to completely ban the use, storage, production and transfer of personnel
mines. The main objective of this treaty is to completely prohibit the use of these weapons,
recognising that the harm caused by personnel mines to human beings is unacceptable. The
Convention imposes certain obligations on Member States to destroy and mitigate the effects
of personnel mines. It also contains provisions on the assistance and rehabilitation of victims.
These provisions play an important role in ensuring security and stability in war zones and in
helping societies recover from the damage caused by personnel mines. The Ottawa
Convention is recognised by member states and the international community as a fundamental
document on measures against personnel mines. This convention has helped to set a global
position against personnel mines and to reject and condemn these weapons. By 2023, most of
the world's countries had signed and ratified the Ottawa Convention. However, some
important states still remain outside this convention.
The Ottawa Convention has also contributed to a global awareness of personnel mines. This
convention has been an important step towards minimising the human toll of war. It is also of
great importance for the protection of human rights and the reconstruction of post-war
societies. Therefore, the acceptance and implementation of the Ottawa Convention by the
international community is an important step towards a peaceful world.

2
CONTENTS

Abstract 2

Introduction 4

1. History and Purpose of the Ottawa Convention 5

1.1. Ottawa Conference and the birth of the Convention 5
1.2. Main aims and objectives of the Convention 6

2. Convention Prohibited Acts and Prohibition of the use, production, storage and
transfer of personnel mines 7

3. Obligations of States 8
3.1. Destruction of personnel mines in stock 8
3.2. Mitigation of the effects of mines 9

4. Victim Support Provisions, Rehabilitation and support of mine victims 9

5. Global Impact and Current Status of the Convention 10

5.1. Countries that have and have not accepted the Convention 10
5.2. The humanitarian impact of the Convention and its situation in the World 11

6. Looking to the Future: The Significance of the Ottawa Convention 12

6.1. The importance and future role of the Convention 12
6.2. The path towards a global mine ban 13

Conclusion 15

Rerefences 16

3
INTRODUCTION

The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of
Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, the Ottawa Convention, is one of the most
important instruments of international law. It was signed in 1997 and its main objective is to
protect the civilian population from the deadly effects of anti-personnel landmines. The
Ottawa Convention imposes obligations on participating countries to destroy their mine
stockpiles, clear mined areas and provide necessary assistance to mine victims within a
certain time frame. It also requires member states to observe strict prohibitions on the
production, sale or transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

The Ottawa Convention is a demonstration of the capacity of the international

community to act together against the use of such weapons, which pose a threat to civilian
populations in post-war periods and hinder socio-economic development in the long term.
This treaty also demonstrates the importance of the international community coming together
for a common purpose. However, universal acceptance of this treaty is critical for the
effective implementation of a global mine ban.

The Ottawa Convention can be considered as an example of global co-operation to

solve a problem that threatens the safety of civilians worldwide.
In addition, this treaty demonstrates the importance of the use of legal instruments in the
functioning of the international system for the protection of international security and the
maintenance of peace. Therefore, the Ottawa Convention can be considered as a milestone in
international law and an important step towards ensuring the safety of civilians worldwide.

4
 1. History and Purpose of the Ottawa Convention

1.1. Ottawa Conference And The Birth Of The Convention

The Ottawa Conference was organised to combat landmines, a human tragedy caused
by wars, civil conflicts and other military conflicts. Hundreds of thousands of people have
been killed or maimed by these weapons. To put an end to this situation and prevent future
victimisation, many countries came together at the Ottawa Conference to ban the use and
production of these dangerous weapons.

In the early 1990s, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations

(NGOs) and some governments took action to tackle the humanitarian crisis caused by
landmines. To this end, the Canadian government organised a conference in Ottawa in 1996
and initiated a process to ban landmines. This process raised awareness of landmines and
many countries around the world became more sensitive to the issue.

Landmines became a serious threat to civil society in many parts of the world in the
early 1990s. Despite the end of wars, these mines remained underground, killing or maiming
many civilians. In addition, mines have rendered agricultural land unusable, which has
damaged the livelihoods of communities. This has created further pressure to ban landmines.
Civil society, and in particular some international organisations, have played a major role in
raising awareness of landmines.

For example, the International Campaign for Landmine Clearance (ICBL) was
established in 1992 and has conducted awareness-raising activities around the world on this
issue. ICBL emphasised the humanitarian impact of landmines and encouraged action around
the world.

In 1996, Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy called on the international

community to ban landmines. As a result of this call, a conference on "Developing Strategies
for the Prohibition and Control of Landmines" was organised in Ottawa in October of the
same year. In this conference, the effects of landmines were discussed and the current
situation was analysed1.

At the end of the conference, the participating countries agreed to meet again in
Ottawa in December 1997 to sign a treaty. In the meantime, negotiations on the technical
details were held in Oslo, Norway. The treaty entered into force in 1999 and was signed by
164 countries.

As a result, the Ottawa Conference launched an international campaign against landmines,

raising awareness worldwide and leading to the banning of these dangerous weapons. By
making people more aware, this conference contributed to the prevention of similar tragedies
in the future.2

1
ICBL - International Campaign to Ban Landmines. (2023). "Landmine Monitor Report 2023". ICBL.
http://icbl.org/en-gb/home.aspx Access: 27.07.2023
2
An international ban on anti-personnel mines: History and negotiation of the "Ottawa treaty", 31-12-1998 Article,
International Review of the Red Cross, No. 325, by Stuart Maslen, Peter Herby Access: 05.08.2023

5
 1.2. Main Aims And Objectives Of The Convention

The Ottawa Convention, officially known as the "Convention on the Prohibition of the
Production, Stockpiling, Transfer and Use of Landmines and on their Destruction", is a treaty
aimed at ending the humanitarian catastrophe caused by landmines.3

The Convention strictly prohibits the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of anti-
personnel mines. Parties are obliged to destroy all anti-personnel mines in their stockpiles
within four years of ratification. Parties undertake to identify and destroy all mines in their
territory for a period of ten years. If this cannot be completed within this period, they may
request an additional period of up to four years.

By strictly prohibiting the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of anti-personnel

mines, the Convention aims to end the humanitarian disasters caused by landmines. The use
of anti-personnel mines endangers not only military units but also the civilian population. The
mines are often equipped with triggers, such as a button or pressure plate, which cause an
explosion. When a person passes over these triggers, an explosion occurs. People are
therefore forced to stay away from unsafe areas to avoid explosions.

Parties undertake to provide assistance "as soon as possible and in the best possible
manner" to persons injured by mine explosions within their borders. This commitment aims to
minimise the impact of mine explosions on people. The Parties have agreed to exchange
information on mine threat reduction, mine destruction and rehabilitation of victims. This
exchange of information is realised through the exchange of best practices and technical
assistance.

The Parties undertake to share their work on mine destruction with other Parties in a
transparent manner. This is intended to ensure effective co-operation in the implementation of
the provisions of the Convention. Parties undertake to take appropriate measures against
parties that contravene or violate the provisions of the convention. This is important for
maintaining the effectiveness of the convention.

Parties undertake to take the necessary national legislative, administrative and other
measures to ensure the implementation of this convention. This commitment is intended to
provide the resources needed to realise the objectives of the convention. The purpose of the
Ottawa Convention is to prevent humanitarian harm caused by landmines. The Convention is
a reflection of the international community's concerted effort to completely eliminate these
dangerous and indiscriminate weapons.

3
The Ottawa Convention at a Glance, Daryl Kimball, Executive Director,
https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/ottawa#:~:text=The%20Convention%20on%20the%20Prohibition,personn
el%20landmines%20(APLs)%20worldwide. Acces: 01.08.2023

6
2. Convention Prohibited Acts and Prohibition Of The Use, Production, Storage
and Transfer Of Personnel Mines

Wars around the world have witnessed the use of anti-personnel mines, which have
displaced millions of people and posed enormous threats to civilian populations. Even in the
aftermath of war, these mines remain underground, creating deadly traps for civilians. To end
the humanitarian crisis caused by landmines, the international community came together and
signed an agreement to completely ban anti-personnel mines.

This convention is an important step towards the protection of the civilian population
by prohibiting the use of anti-personnel mines in any form or under any circumstances. The
treaty applies in both wartime and peacetime. Not only the use but also the production of
mines is strictly prohibited. Countries no longer have the right to produce or have others
produce these dangerous weapons.

However, stockpiled mines also pose a major threat. Therefore, the treaty obliges
states to destroy all stockpiled anti-personnel mines within four years. This is an important
step towards the international community's goal of protecting the civilian population.

The international transfer of mines is also strictly prohibited by the treaty. This
includes all direct or indirect transfers. This is extremely important to prevent the spread of
mines and minimise the dangers in post-war areas.

However, a small number of mines are allowed to be stored for training in mine
detection, clearance or destruction. However, this authorisation is strictly for the
neutralisation of mines and not for military purposes.

This convention aims to protect civil society and infrastructure from the threat posed
by anti-personnel mines. The unequivocal ban on the use, production, storage and transfer of
these weapons is a demonstration of the international community's determination to end the
humanitarian catastrophe caused by mines. This agreement has been long awaited by human
rights defenders and pacifists and is an important step forward for the protection of the
civilian population.4

4
Ottawa Treaty https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa_Treaty#Landmine_and_Cluster_Munition_Monitor
Access: 07.08.2023

7
 3. Obligations of States

3.1. Destruction of Personnel Mines in Stock

An#-personnel mines have le1 deep scars on the world’s history, causing massive
harm to civilians. Even a1er wars have ended, these hidden dangers remain ac#ve, making
fields, playgrounds, and many other areas of daily life dangerously unsafe. To address this
issue, interna#onal agreements such as the OBawa Conven#on aim to eliminate the risk
posed by these mines. One of the main obliga#ons that the Conven#on imposes is the
destruc#on of all an#-personnel mines in stockpiles held by member states, within four
years.
This process includes not only the physical destruc#on of the mines, but also the transparent
and verifiable implementa#on of this process. States must regularly report their mine
clearance ac#vi#es and share these reports with other par#es. Nevertheless, the Conven#on
allows for a limited number of mines to be stored for the purpose of detec#on, clearance, or
destruc#on training, but this excep#on strictly prohibits the use of these mines for war or
conflict purposes5. The number of mines stored for training purposes must be kept to a
minimum.

Mine clearance is a complex and costly process, and some countries may not be able to fulfill
this obliga#on independently due to technical or financial constraints. The Conven#on
emphasizes the importance of interna#onal coopera#on and solidarity in such situa#ons.
Countries in need can request technical support, equipment, or financial assistance from
other par#es. The clearance of an#-personnel mines from stockpiles serves the purpose of
protec#ng civilian popula#ons and minimizing the humanitarian cost. The fulfillment of this
obliga#on by member states of the OBawa Conven#on marks an important step toward a
safer world. This step aims to reduce the humanitarian cost not only of wars but also of post-
conflict periods.

The OBawa Conven#on provides a framework for the establishment of comprehensive

solu#ons that are consistent with each country's par#cular context. By working together,
states can make significant progress in reducing the threat posed by an#-personnel mines.
The Conven#on emphasizes the importance of con#nued efforts to achieve the goal of a
world free of an#-personnel mines, as well as the need to address the wider humanitarian
impact of these weapons. This includes helping vic#ms and their families, suppor#ng mine
risk educa#on, and promo#ng economic and social development in affected regions. The
importance of these efforts should not be underes#mated, as they contribute to building a
more peaceful and prosperous world for all.6

5
Convention On The Prohibition Of The Use, Stockpiling, Production And Transfer Of Anti-Personnel Mines And
On Theri Destruction https://ihd.org.tr/en/ottawa-convention/ Access: 30.07.2023
6 Canadian Government. (1997). "Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer
of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction". Government of Canada.
https://legal.un.org/avl/ha/cpusptam/cpusptam.html Access: 27.07.2023

8
 3.2. Mitigation Of The Effects Of Mines

An#-personnel landmines have caused deep wounds on communi#es around the

world, not only during #mes of war but also in the post-conflict period. The OBawa
Conven#on provides an interna#onal solu#on to overcome this deadly threat. However, the
agreement's objec#ve is not only to prohibit the produc#on and use of mines but also to
address the long-term humanitarian and socio-economic impacts caused by these dangerous
weapons.

Under the scope of the OBawa Conven#on, the expecta#on is that par#es shall clean
all mined areas in their territory within a designated period. The clearance process is carried
out through intergovernmental solidarity, promo#ng interna#onal aid and coopera#on. It is
important to note that clearing physical hazards alone is not sufficient. Raising awareness
and educa#ng the civilian popula#on about the dangers of landmines is cri#cal to minimize
their long-term effects. Addi#onally, support mechanisms for vic#ms of mine explosions play
a crucial role. The Conven#on commits to crea#ng social and economic integra#on programs
for these vic#ms. These services range from physical treatment to psychological support and
voca#onal training.

To reduce the impact of mines, states create na#onal ac#on plans to fulfill their
commitments with concrete steps. Furthermore, repor#ng to other Conven#on par#es at
regular intervals throughout the process contributes to the preserva#on of the transparency
principle and the sustainability of the joint effort. Consequently, the OBawa Conven#on's
obliga#on to reduce the effects of landmines encompasses not only disarmament but also a
humanitarian approach. Its purpose is to protect the civilian popula#on, reintegrate vic#ms
into society, and eradicate the threat of landmines. Therefore, the Conven#on should be
evaluated not only as a legal text but also as a guarantee for communi#es.

In light of the devasta#ng impact of landmines on communi#es, the OBawa

Conven#on's strict regula#on of landmine usage is a significant step towards a safer world.
The Conven#on's provisions are crucial to ensure that landmines are no longer used and that
mined areas are cleared to prevent further harm to civilian popula#ons. The impact of
landmines goes beyond physical harm7. It also has socio-economic and psychological effects
on communi#es. In this context, the OBawa Conven#on's focus on a humanitarian approach
ensures that the Conven#on's objec#ves are not limited to disarmament but also address the
long-term impact of landmines. Countries that ra#fy the Conven#on commit to reducing the
impact of landmines and to crea#ng a safer world for all.

4. Victim Support Provisions, Rehabilitation And Support Of Mine Victims

The devastating effects of mine explosions can leave deep scars on people's lives and
cause victimisation in many different dimensions. These dimensions are not limited to
physical injuries, but can also affect the mental, social and economic lives of victims.

7
Rutherford, K. R. (2000). "The evolving arms control agenda: implications of the role of NGOs in banning
antipersonnel landmines". World Politics, 53(1)

9
The Ottawa Convention aims to help victims overcome these multifaceted challenges and
proposes a number of measures to this end. Prostheses and orthopaedic aids used in the
treatment of physical injuries help victims to regain their mobility. These tools play a vital
role in enabling victims to go about their daily lives and help them to regain their sense of
independence.

However, beyond physical treatment, the psychological effects of mine explosions are
also important and should be studied. Many victims may carry the trauma of the event for
years and professional counselling and therapy services can help individuals process the
trauma and heal their psychological wounds.

A landmine explosion can also place obstacles in the social and economic life of the
victim. Therefore, an individual who has lost economic independence should be encouraged
to acquire new skills and contribute to society again through vocational training programmes.
At the same time, social activities and group therapies support the reintegration process of
victims by strengthening their ties with the community.

The Ottawa Convention's provisions on the rehabilitation and support of victims aim
to help them overcome the difficulties caused by mine explosions. These provisions go
beyond the process of mine clearance and aim at the physical, mental and social reintegration
of victims into society, and this comprehensive approach can help victims overcome the
different dimensions of hardship they experience.

5. Global Impact and Current Status of the Convention

5.1. Countries That Have And Have Not Accepted The Convention

The Ottawa Convention is considered as a historic treaty aiming to prohibit the use,
production, stockpiling and transfer of anti-personnel mines. This treaty was adopted in 1997
with the aim of preventing inhumane practices related to mines. The Ottawa Convention
clearly sets out the international community's position on the human cost of mines, taking into
account their devastating impact on civilian populations and long-term development.
The number of countries that have signed and ratified the Convention is over 160. This shows
that the Convention is widely recognised. These countries span a wide geographical spectrum,
from Africa to Europe, from Latin America to Asia-Pacific. This broad acceptance is
indicative of a broad-based consensus in the international community against the devastating
effects of mines. However, this broad acceptance does not change the fact that the convention
has not achieved universal acceptance.

Some key players have refused to sign or ratify the Ottawa Convention for various
strategic, security or political reasons. These include major powers such as the United States
of America, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Iran and Israel. Most of these
countries state that mines are a critical tool for military purposes and therefore a total ban
could jeopardise their own security.

However, this position ignores the devastating impact of mines on civilian populations
and long-term development. Mines target vulnerable groups, such as children and women,
particularly in areas with dense civilian populations, killing or seriously injuring many people.
They also damage long-term development by destroying agricultural land and water
resources.

10
 Although the Ottawa Convention demonstrates a broad-based consensus of the
international community on the devastating effects of mines, the fact remains that it has not
achieved universal acceptance. Therefore, effective diplomacy with countries that have not
ratified the convention can be an important step towards the global elimination of mines. In
the face of the devastating effects of landmines on civilian populations and long-term
development, the international community should do more to work towards universal
acceptance of the Convention.8

Location on the world map of the countries that signed the Ottawa Convention.9

5.2. The Humanitarian Impact Of The Convention And Its Situation In The World

Over the years, wars have taken place in many parts of the world. As a result of these
wars, mines have become a constant threat to the civilian population. These destructive
remnants of war have caused many people to lose their lives or become disabled. A major risk
to human life, mines are made even more dangerous, especially when civilians return to
agricultural fields, water sources and playgrounds. This created a climate of fear that, in
addition to physical injuries, also hindered the socio-economic development of communities.
In response, the Ottawa Convention was signed in 199710. This convention recognised the
need to prevent and mitigate the devastating effects of landmines. The aim of the Convention
was to provide a framework for rehabilitating mine victims and promoting their socio-
economic integration. It is also an important milestone in reducing the humanitarian impact of
mines. Since the implementation of the Ottawa Convention, many countries have taken
serious steps to clear mined areas. This has enabled civilians to return safely to their land and
resume normal lives.

However, despite all these positive steps, there is no universal acceptance of the
convention. Many countries have not joined the convention for strategic and security reasons.

8
Dealing with Compliance and Non-Compliance: The Case of the Landmine Convention.,Hayashi,
Mika. Chinese Journal of International Law. Sep2012, Vol. 11 Issue 3, p505-522
9
Ottawa Treaty https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa_Treaty#Landmine_and_Cluster_Munition_Monitor
Access: 07.08.2023
10
The Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty Turns 20 https://reliefweb.int/report/world/ottawa-mine-ban-treaty-turns-20 Access:
31.07.2023

11
This shows that a global mine ban is still a distant goal. On the other hand, the awareness
raised by the Ottawa Convention has encouraged civil society organisations, governments and
international organisations to implement demining and victim support projects in many
regions.
Mines still remain a threat worldwide. Therefore, the Ottawa Convention is an
important step that requires global co-operation. However, further work and global co-
operation is needed to fully eradicate this threat. This will ensure a better future for mine
victims and protect the safety of people around the world.

6. Looking to the Future: The Significance of the Ottawa Convention

6.1. The Importance And Future Role Of The Convention

The human cost of anti-personnel mines attracted the attention of the international
community towards the end of the 20th century. This created a global backlash against the use
of mines with the Ottawa Convention adopted in 1997. However, even years after the signing
of this convention, mines still pose a serious threat to civilians in many countries.
The Ottawa Convention is recognised as a landmark for the protection of human rights
and international humanitarian law. It aims to respect and protect the fundamental rights of
people. Mines can endanger the lives of civilians, especially even after the end of wars.
Therefore, the Ottawa Convention is of great importance.

The Ottawa Convention created a global reaction against the use of mines and led
many countries to commit to mine clearance. However, many years after the signature of this
convention, mines still pose a serious threat to civilians in many countries. Therefore,
universal acceptance and implementation of the convention is important.

The Ottawa Convention aims to completely eliminate the use of mines. It aims not
only to clear existing mines, but also to prevent the emergence of new mine hazards by
prohibiting the production, transfer and stockpiling of these dangerous weapons. In this way,
it enables communities to look to a hopeful future even after the end of the war. The
Convention also aims to provide support to mine victims and facilitate their reintegration into
society. This is an important step for victims to rebuild their lives.

The future role of the Ottawa Convention is central to the rehabilitation and
reconstruction efforts of post-war communities. Universal acceptance of the Convention could
maximise the development potential of post-war regions. This would allow local communities
to achieve economic prosperity, children to play safely and communities to live their lives
without the danger of mines.

However, the Ottawa Convention needs to be universally recognised and

implemented. This depends on the commitment of the international community to completely
eliminate the use of mines. The Ottawa Convention can shape the future of many
communities. It can help us build a safer world, not only for communities today, but also for
future generations.11

11
Universalization of the Convention on the Prohibition of antipersonnel Mines: Its foundations, current status
and the future, Univerzalizacija Konvencije za zabranu protupješačkih mina: temelji, trenutno stanje i budućnost /
Die Universalisierung des Ubereinkommens über das Verbot von Antipersonenminen: Grundlagen, aktueller
Stand und Zukunft Date: 20070101.

12
 Awareness and commitments under the Convention can enable communities to live
their lives without the threat of mines and take steps towards a safer world. Clearing
minefields, implementing victim support programmes and preventing the production of new
mines are just some of the tools needed to realise this vision. The Ottawa Convention is an
important step in providing all the tools necessary to realise this vision.

6.2. The Path Towards A Global Mine Ban

The heartbreaking image of a landmine victim, like a child playing in an often

seemingly safe area or a farmer cultivating his field, is a frightening representation of the
aftermath of modern conflicts. The indiscriminate nature of landmines and their enduring
legacy, lasting long after the end of hostilities, not only target soldiers in wartime, but also kill
or maim civilians. This constant threat is driving the international community to seek a
comprehensive ban on these deadly devices.

Landmines have been used in conflicts for centuries. However, their large-scale use in
the 20th century, particularly during the World Wars and subsequent regiona conflicts,
increased their visibility and the associated humanitarian concerns. In the early 1990s, the
movement to ban landmines gained significant momentum. A call for an international treaty,
spearheaded by civil society groups, humanitarian organisations and several committed
countries, resulted in the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling,
Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, commonly known
as the Ottawa Treaty. This treaty obliges signatories to cease the production and use of anti-
personnel mines and to commit to mine clearance and victim assistance.

Many countries have complied with the Ottawa Treaty's call to destroy stockpiles and
clear minefields. However, some major military powers have opted out of the treaty.
Demining is labour intensive, risky and requires significant resources. In addition, armed non-
state groups in some areas continue to use mines, complicating disarmament efforts. Civil
society organisations, such as the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), continue
to monitor the implementation of the treaty and advocate for its universalisation.

Their work, together with United Nations agencies and other actors, has kept the issue
on the global agenda. The journey towards a mine-free world requires a sustained effort.
Technological advances, such as the use of drones and robotics, offer the promise of
accelerating the demining process. Increased international co-operation, financial
commitments and sharing of best practices can move the agenda forward.

The road to a global mine ban is marked by collective action, diplomatic negotiations
and sustained advocacy. While important steps have been taken, the goal of a mine-free world
requires a sustained commitment from all stakeholders. The legacy of the mine problem is not
just about the weapon itself, but about the ability of the international community to rally
around a humanitarian cause and create tangible changes.12

12
An international ban on anti-personnel mines: History and negotiation of the "Ottawa treaty", 31-12-1998
Article, International Review of the Red Cross, No. 325, by Stuart Maslen, Peter Herby Access: 05.08.2023

13
 Therefore, a concerted effort by all world leaders, not just a few countries, is needed to
ban and clear mines worldwide. This would be a very important step towards eliminating the
threat that mines pose to humanity. However, it should not be forgotten that a sustained effort
is required to achieve this goal. With more resources, more co-operation and more support
from the international community, a mine-free world is possible.

14
Conclusion

The Ottawa Convention was the result of an international outcry against anti-personnel
mines due to their dangerous effects on human life. These destructive weapons have become a
reality that threatens the lives of civilians and affects societies not only in wartime but also in
the aftermath of war.

The Convention is an important step towards addressing this danger and mitigating its
effects worldwide. Its adoption reflects a serious commitment by the international community
to address the devastating effects of these destructive weapons. Efforts under the Convention,
such as mine clearance and stockpile destruction, are critical to improving the safety of
civilian populations and contributing to the recovery of societies.

However, for the Ottawa Convention to be fully effective, the participation of all
countries is essential. In this context, some of the major military powers that have not yet
acceded to the convention also need to honour their commitments. In addition, civil society
and international organisations need to continuously monitor and promote its implementation.

The awareness raised by the Ottawa Convention emphasised the threat that landmines
pose to humanity and demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and solidarity
in this field. The Convention has been an important tool in reducing the human cost of these
dangerous weapons. However, further work and efforts are needed. Continued efforts in mine
clearance, victim assistance and the complete elimination of mines are an ongoing
commitment to a safer world.

In conclusion, the Ottawa Convention is an example of the international community

coming together to take a common stand against the devastating effects of mines and taking
concrete steps to reduce this danger. It demonstrates how humanitarian values and
international co-operation can bring about powerful change. In the future, with the
participation of more countries and more comprehensive commitments, it is hoped that the
Ottawa Convention will fulfil its purpose and remain an important instrument for reducing the
impact of landmines.

15
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Report 2023". ICBL. http://icbl.org/en-gb/home.aspx Access: 27.07.2023

2. Cameron, M.A., Lawson, R.J., & Tomlin, B.W. (1998). "To Walk Without Fear: The
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3. Canadian Government. (1997). "Convention on the Prohibition of the Use,

Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their
Destruction". Government of Canada.
https://legal.un.org/avl/ha/cpusptam/cpusptam.html Access: 27.07.2023

4. Rutherford, K. R. (2000). "The evolving arms control agenda: implications of the role
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5. Convention On The Prohibition Of The Use, Stockpiling, Production And Transfer Of

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