Current Affairs - International - Discussion

The Ottawa Convention, formally known as the Mine Ban Treaty, was adopted in 1997 during a Diplomatic Conference held in Oslo. The treaty aims to eliminate anti-personnel landmines worldwide by prohibiting their use, production, stockpiling, and transfer. It obligates member states to destroy existing stockpiles within four years and to clear mined areas. The treaty also emphasizes assistance to landmine victims. Though it came into force in 1999, the foundational adoption took place in 1997. Despite its broad global acceptance by 164 countries, some major powers, including the US, Russia, and India, have not joined the agreement.