2009 marks ten years since the entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty. Antipersonnel mines have now been so thoroughly stigmatized that it is time for the remaining 39 states not party to the treaty to join. Doing so will bring great humanitarian and political benefit, with little to no cost in giving up an outmoded and outcast weapon. It is not too late to get on the right side of humanity and history.

We are writing to urge the United States to participate in the Second Review Conference of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, which opens in Cartagena, Colombia on November 30, 2009. Human Rights Watch recommends that the United States initiate a review of US policy on joining the Mine Ban Treaty and reengage on this issue by participating in the Cartagena Summit. We urge the US to fulfill its long-held intention to join the Mine Ban Treaty.

The United States should participate in a milestone meeting of the international treaty banning antipersonnel landmines and make a commitment to the join the agreement.

States Parties must put in a mechanism—through reporting, meetings, or whatever it takes—to ensure that they do not passively wait for compliance to happen, but jointly work with the States Parties in question to make it happen.

By our count, a total of 85 States Parties have completed the destruction of their stockpiles, collectively destroying 43 million antipersonnel mines. We heartily congratulate Indonesia and Ethiopia for completing their stockpile destruction programs, both ahead of their four-year deadlines.

The Taliban’s use of landmines and human shields and the Pakistani army’s aerial and artillery attacks are placing civilians at unnecessary risk in the continued fighting in Pakistan’s Swat valley.

The United States should reconsider its stance and join the treaty banning antipersonnel landmines. Sunday, March 1 will mark 10 years since the treaty became binding international law.

This will be the most important annual Meeting of States Parties yet. The stakes are high this week, and it is not an exaggeration to say that the integrity of the Mine Ban Treaty is at risk.