Eliminate Landmines and Cluster Bombs

(Winter 2008) Today marks the signing of the International Landmine Ban Treaty, ratified in 1997 by 156 countries. As Americans, we have the lucky fortune to join the company of nearly 40 other countries, including Burma, China, Cuba, Libya, North Korea, Russia, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam that do not support the ban. Landmines are one of the most gruesome, indiscriminate tools of war that injure and kill thousands of innocent people well-beyond the end of a conflict. Many of those who are injured lack the resources or ability to receive adequate treatment, which further prohibits them from fully participating in their societies.

Despite the depressing news that our country continues to contribute to this ongoing problem, there are plenty of things you can do to help. Afghanistan is especially plagued by landmines, a remnant of its civil war, and has one of the highest amount worldwide. Great strides are being taken to eradicate the country's landmines and rebuild. One group leading these efforts is Roots of Peace, which is removing landmines, regenerating moribund agricultural fields and rebuilding social infrastructure. We worked closely with them for the Social Action campaign for our film, Charlie Wilson's War, to remind people that the effects of the country's civil war--the backdrop of the film--continues. takepart today to support their efforts to de-mine, rebuild and regenerate Afghanistan.

The latest phase of the landmine movement is focused on cluster bombs, which are similar to landmines. In Oslo this week, the signing of the Convention on Cluster Munitions will bring together international dignitaries from over 100 countries who've agreed not to use this vicious weapon and to provide assistance to victims of cluster bombs. This is the culmination of a decade-long international grassroots effort by civilians and organizations to ban these weapons. Known as the "People's Treaty," individuals are invited to sign a petition in support of the treaty to demonstrate their support for the Ban and to encourage their government to sign it. Sign to sign the petition.

While there are many hopeful developments in the long campaign to eradicate landmines, rejuvenate formerly mined areas and provide adequate support for victims, there is much to be done. The US has the opportunity to join the company of over 150 countries who've supported the International Landmine Ban Treaty, rather than remaining with the other marginalized non-signers. tell the incoming Obama Administration to support both international agreements and to make this issue a priority. Landmines literally tear apart individuals, communities and countries; we each have the opportunity to help to reverse the effects of these weapons.

(photo: Afghan landmine survivor by vonbergen.net)