Since 1992, humanitarian organizations, particularly the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), have campaigned tirelessly for the elimination of anti-personnel (AP) mines. These efforts culminated in the adoption of an international treaty in 1997 prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of AP mines, commonly known as the anti-personnel mine ban treaty (MBT).

Today, more than two-thirds of the world’s states subscribe to the MBT. Despite this significant achievement, much remains to be done before the scourge of landmines is eradicated. One area requiring our attention is that of armed non-state actors. By the term non-state actor (NSA), we refer to any armed actor operating outside state control that uses force to achieve its political/quasi-political objectives. Such actors include armed groups, rebel groups, liberation movements and de facto governments.

Most armed conflicts today are intra-state and involve one or more armed NSAs fighting government forces or each other. As parties to these conflicts, NSAs are also involved in the landmine problem. Many NSAs produce, stockpile and use mines. During 2003-2004, NSAs are reported to have used AP mines in at least 21 countries. Communities in mined areas under NSA control often face serious problems with mines and go without proper humanitarian assistance.

Adherence to the mine ban norm by NSAs may facilitate accession and compliance to the MBT by governments. In 2002, the government of Colombia released a report indicating that due to the use of AP mines by NSAs, the government would find it difficult to fulfil its obligations under the MBT. The Government of Sri Lanka has said it will agree to an AP mine ban providing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam do so as well. Georgia justifies its abstention from the MBT because of the presence of mines in NSA-controlled areas, which the government says makes it difficult, if not impossible, for it to meet the obligations under the MBT. 

Alone, an inter-state ban will not solve the landmine problem. Engaging NSAs in a complementary process is essential to achieve true universalization of the mine ban norm. Geneva Call is responding to this reality.