1) Landmines are explosive weapons that are buried underground or strewn on the ground and detonate if someone steps on them or drives over them. They continue killing and maiming civilians long after wars have ended. 2) Over 60 million landmines are estimated to be buried in the ground across more than 70 countries. They disproportionately injure civilians, including many children. They slow economic development and prevent safe use of agricultural lands. 3) An international treaty called the Ottawa Treaty bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. However, some major countries have not signed it, including the United States, Russia, and China. Landmine removal is a

1. By: J. Barreto-Abrams P.3 – Advocacy Project Hagerty High School Ms. S. Thomas Law Studies "Landmines are among the most barbaric weapons of war, because they continue to kill and maim innocent people long after the war itself has ended. Also, fear of them keeps people off the land, and thus prevents them from growing food." --Kofi Annan