Global Initiatives
The most important global initiative regarding landmines is the International Campaign to Ban Landmines ("ICBL"). This movement reflects an unprecedented coalition of non – governmental organizations ("NGO’s"), States and individuals working together to encourage governments to ban this weapon of war.
Its history is a fascinating one. In 1991, several NGO ’s and individuals began to combine their efforts on landmine clearance and victim rehabilitation. Led by NGO 's such as Handicap International and Human Rights Watch, the group formally came together in 1992 - the ICBL was born.
The ICBL described itself as itself as a flexible network of organisations that share common objectives. The Campaign aimed for an international ban on the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of antipersonnel landmines, and for increased international resources for humanitarian mine clearance and mine victim assistance program.
With these aims in mind, The ICBL quickly grew to include other bodies working on landmine reduction. For example, in 1996 and 1997, new members included:
• Afghan Campaign to Ban Landmines
• Cambodia Campaign to Ban Landmines
• Kenyan Coalition Against Landmines
• South African Campaign to Ban Landmines.
The ICBL worked by mobilising public opinion to put pressure in the government to sign the Ottawa Convention of 1997, a treaty that prohibits signatories from the use of landmines. Thus far over 140 stateshave signed. It represents a tremendous achievement.
There is much work to be done and the ICBL still works at encouraging the remaining governments of the world to commit themselves to the prohibition of landmines.The ICBL has also continued to grow. Today, this network represents over 1,100 human rights, arms control, humanitarian, childrens', demining, medical, veterans', development, religious, environmental, and womens' groups in over 60 countries. These groups work locally, nationally, regionally, and internationally to ban antipersonnel landmines. The work of the ICBL has been recognised for its momentous achievements. In 1997, the ICBL and its coordinator, JodyWilliams, received the Nobel Peace Prize.
For more information, go to the Australian Network of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines www.australia.icbl.org.
