LIAISON Vol. 1, No. 6, November 1997

Liaison Newsletter > LIAISON Vol. 1, No. 6, November 1997 - Articles

“The Ottawa Process”: esentially a people’s movement
by Fraser King

On December 3, representatives from over 100 governments are expected to gather in Ottawa for the historic signing of the "Convention on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines and on their destruction".

Negotiations over the final draft of the treaty were completed a month and a half ago in Oslo, Norway. Initial fears that the treaty would be "gutted" were brought on by a late, and potentially deadly, US proposal for three amendments to the draft treaty. The amendments sought to exclude "smart mines" (that is, mines that self-defuse after a period of time) from the provisions of the convention; to reverse the provision that prohibited withdrawal from the treaty during armed conflict; and to include a nine year delay before the treaty would become effective. The amendments reflected the United States’ concern over the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, where landmines are touted as an essential element of the border’s defence. But without the two-thirds majority required for making the amendments, the US found it impossible to sign. A stronger treaty was left intact.

Key countries such as China, India, Pakistan and Iran have also refused to sign, with the Russian Federation acknowledging their commitment to the treaty, but without indicating when they will sign on. Robin Collins, who sits on the Mines Action Canada Steering Committee on behalf of UNA-Canada, suggested that an empty chair be left at the treaty-signing in Ottawa as a welcome to such governments who have not yet committed to signing the treaty. The chair would also serve to commemorate the efforts made by Princess Diana, who had been expected to attend the signing ceremony, to bring landmines to the fore of international concern.

While such high profile figures as the Princess of Wales and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy have been key players in the fast track process to a comprehensive ban, the real "stars of the show" are the Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have worked tirelessly on this issue. October’s awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Jody Williams and her organization, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, has given civil society the proper recognition it deserves.

Indeed, at the same time that state officials will be signing, the public will be invited into the main foyer of the Ottawa Conference Centre to sign a declaration endorsing the treaty themselves. In the days following the treaty-signing, numerous NGOs, activists and academics will join with government officials to participate in panel discussions, develop action plans and strengthen their global networks.

Both events are meant to draw attention to the fact that the ban treaty is very much the "people's treaty," both in the amount of popular support it has received and in the need for continued grassroots action to ensure that it makes a difference in the lives of mine victims (and to accelerate the pace of mine removal).

For groups interested in organizing a People's Treaty signing event in their own community on December 3rd or 4th, Mines Action Canada is keen to provide you with a People's Treaty kit. Fax your request for a kit to (613) 233-9028. Participating groups are asked to forward their signatures to Mines Action Canada.