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Landmines + Cluster Munitions

The Justice and International Mission Unit is an active member of the Australian Network to Ban Landmines (ANBL). The Unit actively supports the international ban on anti-personnel landmines in the Mine Ban Treaty that has been signed by 154 countries, including Australia. The Unit it also actively working towards the creation of a similar international ban on anti-vehicle mines that currently are not banned under international agreement. The Road to a Truly Mine-Free World - Government Attitudes on to Anti-Vehicle Mines is a joint report of the Uniting Church of Australia and the Australian Network to Ban Landmines that was released in November 2004, and again in 2005. This report explores government positions on creating a ban on anti-vehicle mines. Download the 2005 report to right side of the page. The JIM Unit is also concerned with all unexploded ammunition left after wars have finished, which can be as deadly as landmines. For example, in Afghanistan it is estimated that as many people are killed and wounded by unexploded ammunition as by landmines.

Progress Towards a Landmine Free World

The 2005 Landmines Monitor report has provided good news for those that have campaigned against landmines:

• A total of 151 countries have put the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty into their domestic law
• There were an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 new casualties from landmines and unexploded ordnance in 2005, down from 26,000 per year in previous years
• The number of countries manufacturing anti-personnel landmines has fallen from 55 in 1996 to 13 in 2005
• Only four countries used anti-personnel mines in 2005. They are Nepal, Myanmar, Russia and Georgia.

The number of landmines that countries have voluntarily destroyed from their stockpiles increased to a total of over 60 million mines. The Australian Government continues its commitment to the ban on anti-personnel mines committing to $75 million to mine action, including demining and mine awareness education, from 2006-2010 for projects throughout the region and the world.

 What needs to be achieved now:

• Universalisation of Mine Ban Treaty - 43 countries still to sign
• Clearing all landmines and unexploded ordnance - 82 countries still affected
• Estimated 160 million anti-personnel landmines still stockpiled round the world
• Adequate medical services for all Landmine Survivors
• A universal ban on anti-vehicle mines
• Non-State opposition groups in 13 countries reportedly used antipersonnel mines in 2005

Links:

Australian Network to Ban Landmines - www.australia.icbl.org
International Campaign to Ban Landmines - www.icbl.org