Antipersonnel landmines are indiscriminate weapons that have killed and maimed primarily civilians. The weapon cannot distinguish between a soldier during conflict and a civilian stumbling upon one even decades later. The 1997 Mine Ban Treaty comprehensively bans the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of antipersonnel mines, and requires states to destroy their stockpiles within four years and to clear all mined areas within 10 years. The treaty also contains provisions to assist landmine survivors and to support mine risk education programs. A total of 162 states have joined the Mine Ban Treaty and are making progress in achieving a mine-free world. Through its research and advocacy, Human Rights Watch is working to ensure that all states join the treaty and that its life-saving provisions are fully implemented.

Take Action: Tell the United States that it's time to ban antipersonnel landmines and join the Mine Ban Treaty.

Read more about which states have taken action to eliminate landmines in Landmine Monitor.