![]() ![]() Governments are now starting to take the problem of landmines more seriously. However, few countries have been prepared to renounce their own use of these weapons. Many states have ended the export of anti-personnel mines. In recent years, in response to the Campaign, numerous governments have expressed concern about the indiscriminate effects of anti-personnel mines. Since the inception of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines in late 1991, NGOs have been engaged in a campaign aimed at educating governments about the effects of landmines on civilians. The mines situation in Afghanistan is unacceptable: in Ottawa the international community has an opportunity to ensure it does not happen elsewhere. Over US $100 million has been contributed to the program, enough to clear one fifth of the known mined area in the country. Despite an effective demining program, and a well developed mines awareness program, the mines continue to claim civilian victims every day. Their contribution is warmly acknowledged.Īfghanistan remains a perfect example of the devastation wreaked by landmines. The report was compiled by MSF's landmine officer Ian Woodmansey, during time spent in Afghanistan in the months of March and April 1997, and is based on numerous interviews with managers of the Afghan Mine Action Program, Afghan deminers, mines awareness teachers, doctors, nurses, and personnel from other medical NGOs. MSF believes this report underlines the urgent need in Ottawa for an international ban on landmines: the ban must work on the ground, and be without loopholes. MSF wishes to add its voice, in the strongest way possible, to the international movement aimed at banning landmines. To the many negotiators who have never visited a mined country, the report tries to give a flavor of the continuing effect of millions of mines on people's lives, and to examine the response made by Afghans in 1997. ![]() This report is designed to give an accessible update on the mines situation in Afghanistan in 1997 to diplomats and politicians meeting in Brussels, followed by Oslo and Ottawa to prepare a treaty banning anti-personnel mines. ![]()
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