Who / What
The Ottawa Treaty is the 1997 international treaty that bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti‑personnel landmines (APMs).
Background & History
The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction was adopted in 1997. It was named after Ottawa, where the foundational conference was held. The treaty emerged from a growing global movement to eliminate the humanitarian dangers posed by landmines.
Why Notable
It represents a landmark effort to eradicate a pervasive threat to civilian safety worldwide. By prohibiting APMs it aims to reduce civilian casualties, facilitate post‑conflict reconstruction, and promote peacebuilding.
In the News
By August 2025 the Ottawa Treaty had been ratified or acceded to by 162 states, yet major former and current mine‑producing powers remain outside its scope, highlighting continuing challenges in universal compliance.
