What is the UN doing to rid the world of landmines?
Some 15,000 to 20,000 people are killed or maimed every year by landmines and unexploded ordnance scattered in over 90 countries. The UN has been active in efforts to rid the world of these deadly weapons, whose first victims are often children, women and the elderly. * The UN played a crucial role in encouraging countries to support the 1997 Ottawa Convention – which provides for the total ban on the production, export and use of landmines – and continues to promote universal adherence to this treaty. Ratification of the treaty by more than 120 countries has led to reduced use of these weapons, markedly fewer victims, a dramatic drop in production, an almost complete halt in their trade, increased destruction of stockpiles, and increased funding for humanitarian action. * As a result of this international momentum, even most States which are not parties to the treaties have ceased using, stockpiling, producing and transferring anti-personnel landmines. And more land is being de-mined
