 |
|
Landmine related OrganizationsHumanitarian DeminingSites with more links ... |
Welcome to what is probably the most important section of
our site.
Ever since the anti-humanitarian effects of landmines were realised, human rights groups have pleaded with governments to ban the manufacture and use of landmines. This is no easy task. Arguments have been heard in the UN, and every western government concerning the eradication of landmines. The Inhumane Weapons Convention has had some success in achieving the adoption of guidelines disallowing contempt for human rights, but not enough success to prevent the use of landmines. The organisations supporting the banning of landmines have faced opposition mainly from countries who rely on arms manufacture as well as countries who stockpile and use landmines. Countries manufacturing landmines include China, Russia and North Korea. A 1996 proposal by the Canadian government is to draft a new anti-landmine treaty calling for a total ban of landmine production and use. But even countries supporting a ban have shown a decided disinterest in the proposal. Today there are over 110,000,000 landmines in over 60 countries. According to the US state department there area at least 25,000 casualties each year; that is one landmine casualty every 20 minutes. This is a conservative estimate.
Visit some of the links to the left. These are organisations to do with the landmine issue. We suggest you read some of their pages. Feel free to email them and even volunteer your help! |
