September 25, 1996. Copyright, 1996, Graphic News. All rights reserved

THE CALL TO OUTLAW THE CUT-PRICE KILLERS
By Russell Lewis

LONDON September 26, Graphic News - An international conference in Ottawa, Canada, from October 3-5 will further discuss the issue of landmines. A declaration is expected at the end of the meeting from participating states committing to an early conclusion of a binding international ban.
There are three main types of anti-personnel mines (APMs). Blast mines: these detonate when trodden on and have localised effects. Fragmentation mines: usually trip-wire activated, shattering fragments over 360-degree area. These can be lethal up to a range of 50 metres. Directional mines: Similar to fragmentation devices but with pre-determined projection.
The Landmines Protocol demands that minefields made up of these types of devices must be marked and guarded to avoid civilian injury. However, self-destructing / neutralising APMs Ð so-called Ôsmart minesÕ Ð which have devices attached to blow them up or render them inoperable after a fixed period are not governed by the same rules and can be deployed outside of the marked areas.
There are many groups calling for a total worldwide ban on all APMs and lobbyists have some powerful allies. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Commander, General Gray, speaking about the Korean war and his own service in Panama, Southeast Asia and the Gulf conflict, stated that he was Ôunaware of any operational advantage from the broad deployment of minesÕ.
In a Commons Foreign Affairs Committee report, Sir Hugh Beach said that Ôanti-personnel mines have little place in the waging of legitimate warÕ
Aside from the injuries Ð an estimated 1 million people have been killed or maimed by mines in the last 25 years Ð mines deny people access to land that could be cultivated for much-needed food supplies and grazing. In Afghanistan and Cambodia an average total of 35 per cent more land could be utilised were it not for the threat of mines.
The UK Working Group on Landmines predict that by the year 2001, when the next review conference is scheduled for the Landmines Protocol, a further 50,000 people will die, 80,000 more will suffer injury from mines while the number of uncleared mines could rise to more than 125 million.

SOURCES: United Nations, U.S. Department of State, The UK Working Group on Landmines

NOTE: To coincide with the Canada conference, UKWGLM plan an ÔAction Day to Ban LandminesÕ on Thursday, October 3, with an event to be staged in Trafalgar Square, London.

For further details contact: Tim Carstairs on 01296 630596