The Ottawa Convention, signed on September 18, 1997, in Oslo, Norway, is a global agreement banning antipersonnel landmines, aiming to protect human rights and lives
Aiming to eliminate landmines, the Ottawa Convention safeguards people from these deadly devices in alignment with human rights law
Opened for signature in Ottawa, Canada, from December 3-4, 1997, the convention later became active globally on March 1, 1999
As of now, the Ottawa Convention has been signed by 133 States, with 164 States actively participating, showcasing global commitment to the cause
Despite global efforts, 34 countries, including major producers and users like the US, India, China, Pakistan, and Russia, have not signed the treaty
To promote the convention's aims, the UN declared April 4 as International Day for Mine Awareness, focusing on the risk mines pose and honoring those who neutralize these threats