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Breaking News and Press Releases
Young Professional Internship Program Deadline Extended Mines Action Canada has extended the deadline for applications to the Young Professionals Internship Program to February 1, 2012, to give all eligible applicants time to apply. For more information and details on how to apply, visit our web site at: http://www.minesactioncanada.org/youth/young-professional-internship-program. New youth campaign launched in support of the needs of survivors On January 25, 2012, the Youth to Youth Action Network officially launched its Take the Next Step with Survivors! Campaign, under the guidance of Mines Action Canada. The goal of the campaign is to promote the rights and needs of cluster munition and landmine survivors through youth-led action and advocacy. In the coming months, the over 100 members of the Youth to Youth Action Network will be asked to undertake a variety of actions in support of that goal, including fundraising, media work, domestic advocacy and generating public awareness. They will also have access to online training sessions led by experts in the area of victim assistance, and develop critical skills such as proposal writing and utilizing social media effectively. “The Youth to Youth Action Network has chosen to Take the Next Step with Survivors because there is a clear need for more support to cluster munition and landmine survivors globally,” said Erin Hunt, Mines Action Canada International Youth Programs Officer. “This campaign is a chance for the youth to gain valuable skills while working with survivors to promote survivor rights and to call on states to live up to their obligations to support victims as outlined in the treaties banning landmines and cluster munitions.” In 2010, there were more than 4,000 new casualties from landmine accidents alone, according to the Landmine Monitor. It is likely that more incidents go unreported each year, and the number of survivors living around the world is unknown. Accident survivors are frequently excluded from many aspects of society and suffer from discrimination and a lack of access, both physical and social. The 1997 Ottawa Convention banning landmines and the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions both include strong victim assistance provisions and make it a legal requirement for States Parties to provide this assistance through policies and funding. The Youth to Youth (Y2Y) Action Network is responsible for facilitating global youth action on cluster bombs and landmines and expanding the support and reach of youth involvement in the movement. Its membership is drawn largely from young adults working with the national campaigns or member organizations of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) and includes around 100 individuals from all global regions including survivors. Mines Action Canada is a Governance Board member of both networks and a recognized leader in the area of youth programming. Through their initiatives, including annual Youth Leaders Forums and the Young Professionals International program, they are actively preparing the next generation of campaigners and experts. For more information, visit www.minesactioncanada.org/youth/campaign or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Mines Action Canada Launches Online Campaign Tool Linking Landmine, Cluster Bomb and Disability Treaties Jan. 9, 2012 OTTAWA, CANADA -- As the mine ban movement celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2012, Mines Action Canada is commemorating the milestone today by launching a new interactive campaign tool to explain and make connections among three groundbreaking international humanitarian treaties: the 1997 Ottawa Landmine Treaty, the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Building on work by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, the Cluster Munition Coalition, and other civil society organizations, The-Treaties.org is an interactive and accessible web site that will showcase a series of videos, slide show presentations, quizzes and illustrated guides. Available in English, Spanish, French and Arabic, the initiative aims to educate both campaigners and the public at large about the three treaties and what they have in common. “Over the past two decades we’ve witnessed remarkable progress in international humanitarian law, and one of the things we’ve found is a need to provide educational resources for civil society, in accessible, non-technical language, highlighting some of the common ground shared by these treaties,” said Paul Hannon, Mines Action Canada Executive Director. “While these conventions have important and unique histories, it’s important to recognize they are also linked by language, fundamental principles and common purpose. More importantly, they have created an important legal framework to protect civilians, strengthen victim assistance and defend the rights of landmine and cluster munition survivors, along with other persons with disabilities.” 2012 will also mark 15 years since the signing of the Ottawa Treaty (Dec. 3, 1997) which banned the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. For more information, please visit: www.the-treaties.org and www.minesactioncanada.org. Media contact Related media - 30 - PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA -- Participants at the Youth Leaders Forum held in conjunction with the Eleventh Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, presented ICBL Youth Ambassador Song Kosal with the funds to cover scholarships for six years of schooling from grades 7 to 12 for five young Cambodians. The recipients of the scholarships will be landmine or cluster munition survivors or the children of survivors. Song Kosal, herself a landmine survivor received the award from Umarbek Pulodov, 25, from Tajikistan, who represented the 37 participants of the Youth Leaders Forum coming from 32 different countries. “These scholarships will be incredibly helpful for landmine victims,” she said. “They will provide opportunities for survivors to learn and develop themselves, along with their communities.” The ‘In Our Lifetime Legacy’ project has its roots in the 2009 Youth Leaders Forum held in Cartagena, Colombia, at the Ninth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty. The Mines Action Canada (MAC) initiative saw youth campaigners from around the world work together to raise money in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Canada, Egypt, France, Pakistan, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom to name a few, for landmine survivors and their families in Cambodia. “They recognised the power of education in effecting change and transforming lives and directed their effort to raise scholarship money to send survivors to school. Actions to achieve this aim are ongoing,” said Paul Hannon, Executive Director of MAC. “They showed that no matter which country or cultural background they came from, the next generation of disarmament campaigners share a common vision – a mine free world in their lifetime. The 2011 participants want to leave a positive legacy in Cambodia.” Among the youth advocates' fundraising activities was a t-shirt initiative and donning the shirts, this year’s youth leaders could be seen in a flood of red and blue, Cambodia’s national colours, to promote the ‘In Our Lifetime Legacy’ project. Carrying the torch from their fellow Cartagena youth campaigners, they proudly handed the scholarship money to Cambodian Ban Advocate Song Kosal. Media contacts: Kate Wiggans
Take the Next Step for Survivors…And Buy a T-shirt! On August 22, Mines Action Canada (MAC) officially launched the “In Our Lifetime Legacy” e-store, where supporters can buy T-shirts or make a donation to support the “In Our Lifetime Legacy” project for Cambodian survivors. The project is a MAC-supported effort by youth landmine and cluster bomb ban advocates from around the world to join forces to raise funds and leave a lasting legacy in Cambodia, host country of the upcoming Eleventh Meeting of States Parties (MSP11) to the Ottawa Treaty. All funds raised will go to support the education of Cambodian youth survivors of landmine and cluster munition explosions, through our partners on the ground at the Cambodian Campaign to Ban Landmines. The design (pictured below), by MAC-Ottawa Outreach Team volunteer Matt Campbell, features a landmine / cluster munition survivor on the front, with the text, “Take the Next Step for Survivors,” the theme of the “In Our Lifetime Legacy” project this year. The back features a silhouette of Angkor Wat, one of the most revered temples in Cambodia. The colourful palette makes reference to the Cambodian flag, with the imagery and text appearing in blue, and the Canadian-made T-shirt itself in bright red. T-shirts are on sale for $30CAD, while ‘ghost t-shirts’ (making a donation in lieu of a T-shirt) can be ‘purchased’ in multiple denominations. Sizes from small to extra large are available, as well as a limited supply of youth sizes. Shipping costs are extra. T-shirts will be sold until early November, and all proceeds presented to the Cambodian Campaign to Ban Landmines at the November/December 2011 Meeting of States Parties in Phnom Penh. For more information on the project, visit the e-store, or contact project lead Stephan Telka, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or +1.613.302.0093
Professional Development Opportunity Mines Action Canada (MAC) is now accepting applicants for the Youth Apprenticeship Program at the 2MSP in Beirut, Lebanon from September 12 to 16 and at the 11MSP in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from November 26 to December 2 2011. Successful applicants have the opportunity of travelling to either Lebanon or Cambodia depending on which apprenticeship you are selected for. MAC will be covering all expenses for travel including: visas, airfare to/from Lebanon/Cambodia, travel to and from the airport, accommodations and per diem. The only cost that will not be covered is the cost of your personal travel insurance. MAC is offering three positions: one will take place in Lebanon and two in Cambodia. The successful candidates will be working with the ICBL or CMC staff on different tasks. Lebanon: One apprentice will be working with the CMC's Director, Laura Cheeseman, to support the coordination and implementation of the CMC’s campaigning strategy during the 2MSP. Cambodia: We are also excited to have two additional openings. One apprentice will be providing operational support for the ICBL media relations & communication team at the 11MSP. The apprentice will be guided by Kate Wiggans, the ICBL’s Communications and Media Officer. An additional apprentice will be supporting the ICBL team with the coordination of the campaign and lobbying activities. Kasia Derlicka, ICBL’s Director, will oversee this apprenticeship. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS: August 15th, 2011 Here is a link to the application form. Mines Action Canada – Youth Leaders Apprenticeship Program 2011 If you require any additional information please feel free to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Warm regards, Annette Willi Roles and responsibilities for the apprenticeships "Lobby and Advocacy", 2MSP of CCM and 11MSP of MBT:
Roles and responsibilities for the apprenticeship "Media and Communications" 11MSP of MBT:
Criteria to participate: Actively involved in the ICBL and CMC;
Update on Youth Leadership Forum 2011 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia The theme for MAC’s youth programming in 2011 is Take the Next Step for Survivors!, which is focused on generating awareness, programming and actions in support of the needs of landmine and cluster bomb survivors and their communities. Youth programming opportunities for 2011 will include: the Youth Leaders Forum (YLF); the Legacy Youth Fundraising project to raise funds for scholarships for Cambodian survivors to attend high school; small grants program; monthly online training forums; and apprenticeship opportunities. This year’s YLF will consist of a seven-day program and take place in conjunction with the Eleventh Meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from November 26-December 2. WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR? In May 2011, MAC posted a survey on the ICBL and CMC listserves soliciting feedback on what other training, skills or information partners and youth graduates think is necessary to becoming an effective leader in social justice. What you told us was there was some deeper training and missing components from our past youth leadership program that we should be thinking about including, such as:
WHAT YLF WILL NOT BE IN 2011: In order to accommodate the new training components, although there will be a session updating delegates on the status, progress, targets and messaging for both CMC and ICBL – there will not be beginner training sessions about the weaponry, the treaties, basic advocacy skills etc. Delegates will be expected to know this already. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY? To take part in this YLF, delegates will need to be:
Delegates from affected or universalization target countries will be prioritized as will applications from survivors. Delegates interested in sponsoring their own participation in YLF are invited to apply as well and indicate this on their application form. WHEN WILL THE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS BE ISSUED? You can apply right now up to August 5th, 2011. Click here and fill out the form. Any questions? Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cluster Munition Coalition condemns use of cluster munitions by Libyan armed forces (London, 15 April 2011) Cluster Munition Coalition member Human Rights Watch has revealed today that Gaddafi’s forces have used cluster munitions in Misrata, Libya. Cluster munitions have been outlawed by the majority of the world’s nations under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions because of their indiscriminate nature and the harm they cause to civilians both during and after a conflict ends. “Libya should immediately stop all use of cluster munitions. These banned weapons have horrific effects and the unexploded ordnance that will result will prolong civilian suffering even after the conflict has ended,” said Laura Cheeseman, director of the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC). Human Rights Watch has reported eyewitness accounts of cluster munition use in recent days. The full extent of cluster munition use and resulting civilian casualties is unknown. Urgent steps must now be taken to ensure that unexploded cluster submunitions are cleared to prevent further deaths or injuries from cluster munitions. The Middle East has been heavily affected by cluster munition use including in Iraq and Lebanon, as well as in Kuwait, Yemen and the territory of Western Sahara, but so far only Iraq, Lebanon and Tunisia have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions. This year from 12-16 September Lebanon will host the Second Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. “This region has seen far too much suffering from cluster munitions in the past. All countries in the region should immediately reject this weapon and join the Convention ahead of the meeting in Lebanon in September this year,” said Ayman Sorour of PROTECTION, a CMC member organisation working in the Middle East. Human Rights Watch has reported that the cluster munitions used in Misrata are MAT-120 120mm mortar projectiles produced by Spain. Markings on a submunition remnant indicate they were produced in 2007. Libya used air-dropped cluster munitions in Chad during the 1986-1987 conflict, but little is known about the exact composition of their stockpile of these weapons. Libya has not yet joined the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. The Cluster Munition Coalition is further concerned about unsecured weapons stockpiles in Libya and the risk of proliferation in the region. “The use of cluster munitions creates a grave danger to civilians both at the time of use and long after the conflict has ended. Their use must stop immediately to protect innocent civilians now.” said Paul Hannon, Executive Director of Mines Action Canada. “The international community including Canada must be prepared to support clearance efforts once this conflict has ended and to provide support to any survivors of these weapons.” News of cluster munition use comes just two weeks after it was confirmed that Libyan armed forces laid antipersonnel landmines, weapons that have also been banned due to their indiscriminate nature and humanitarian impact on civilians and that are banned under the 1997 Ottawa Treaty.For more information, please contact: In Ottawa, Paul Hannon, Mines Action Canada, 613-241-3777 or 613-851-5430 (mobile) (English) In London, Laura Cheeseman, Cluster Munition Coalition: +44-7515-575-175 (English) In Washington DC, Steve Goose, Human Rights Watch: +1-540-630-3011 (English) In Paris, Ayman Sorour, PROTECTION, +33-676-196-984 (Arabic, English) See also Human Right’s Watch’s press release: Libya: Cluster Munitions Strike Misrata (15 April 2011), http://www.hrw.org/node/98100 NOTES
A Big Thanks to All Bomb Appetit! Pub Night Supporters! Mines Action Canada’s Ottawa volunteer chapter recently hosted a fundraising/awareness-raising pub night as part of the numerous events that the chapter staged across the city to help mark Canadian Landmine Awareness Week. The event, held at The Standard Tavern on Elgin Street, included a special mine action-themed drink menu to help set the tone and raise additional funds. This event was very well attended by both new and old supporters of Mines Action Canada, and brought in more than $700 in entrance tickets alone. The most exciting part of the night was the prize draw. The volunteer chapter obtained some wonderful donations from a wide range of merchants from across the Ottawa area. Mines Action Canada would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the night’s diverse sponsors. First, and foremost, a heartfelt thanks to The Standard Tavern, which served as the backdrop for the fundraiser. The Standard team really got behind this event, and their efforts were fundamental to making the night so memorable. We would of course also like to thank all of the local businesses that donated items for the prize draw, including: Starbucks, Life of Pie, Taylor’s Genuine Food & Wine Bar, Great Canadian Theatre Company, Credible Edibles, Heavens to Betsy Nic Nac Bonanza, Empire Cinemas, The Flour Shoppe, Tennessy Willems Wood Oven Pizza, Sisters’ Sweets Bakery, the Mud Oven and Kunstadt Sports. Mines Action Canada would like to pay special thanks to Condoasis who kindly donated our grand prize for the draw - a weekend condo rental at Mt. Tremblant. Lastly, and most importantly, the entire team at Mines Action Canada would like to extend both a huge thank you and congratulations to the Ottawa volunteer chapter for creating such a tremendous event!!
The New Face of MAC: Meet our Young Professionals!Mines Action Canada sponsors international internship placements with its partner organizations in the global movement to ban landmines and cluster bombs. Recently, MAC received grant money from CIDA's Youth Employment Strategy to fund the Young Professionals program for the next three years. Young Professionals (YPs) work in diverse environments to build the capacity of international partners and gain valuable career-related work experience.
Upon their return, YPs will take on at least one public education and advocacy work in Canadian communities. This provides a chance to link back to Canada, develop career-related networks, showcase their international experience and expertise, and develop skills in public engagement, media, and advocacy. Our new crop of Young Professionals are about to embark on their placement journeys. Read more about the new faces joining MAC's international team: MEET TYLER MORDEN Age: 23 Hometown: Morden, Manitoba! YP Placement: Uganda Landmine Survivor Association in Kampala, Uganda What he's looking forward to: Supporting ULSA with a variety of activities including research, drafting the annual report, monitoring and evaluation of projects, and proposal and report writing. On the motivation behind his mine activism: "I became interested in the landmine issue when I was in high school and I was studying world issues. My teacher was a former YMAAP participant, and really encouraged me to become involved with the mine ban movement and wider social justice issues. Through various volunteer and professional experiences, I have become aware of the need to support people who have been affected by conflict, and specifically those who live with disabilities as a result of it". MEET ROSS DUNCAN Age: 22 Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta (although he was born in Dundee, Scotland) YP Placement: Campaña Colombiana Contra Minas in Bogotá, Colombia What he's looking forward to: The major focus will be strengthening youth involvement in Mine Action in Colombia. On the motivation behind his mine activism: "Mine Action is fascinating. The fact that through this mechanism amongst others we can rid our world of landmines and cluster munitions forever makes this challenge a very rewarding and satisfying one to be part of. I’m excited about being part of this with nine other like minded young Canadians, and I look forward to meeting and taking on whatever challenges come my way during the program". MEET RACHAEL DEMPSEY YP Placement: Campaña Colombiana Contra Minas in Medellín, Colombia Where she's come from: "At Glendon College I was a volunteer with the WUSC Student Refugee Program, which allows students from Rwanda to immigrate to Canada and study at Glendon College. I also have had the opportunity to study and travel in Egypt and Israel/Palestine". What she's looking forward to: Expanding and strengthening the youth volunteer programs in Colombia, and building on the knowledge and skills she's learned so far. On the motivation behind her mine activism: "I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in MAC’s YPIMAP and am very excited about going to Medellin, Colombia’s second largest city. This will be my first time in South America and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work in Spanish and to learn more about Colombia". MEET JENNIFER MATTHEWS Hometown: Brockville, Ontario YP Placement: Project RENEW in Dong Ha, Vietnam What she's looking forward to: "I am very excited to have the opportunity to continue working in the humanitarian field as a Mines Action Support Officer in Vietnam, and to be part of the campaign to ban landmines and cluster munitions!" On the motivation behind her mine activism: "My time at Carleton University allowed me to connect with some amazing people who were also keenly interested in humanitarian issues and international development, and provided me with various opportunities to become actively involved in the international development community". MEET KATIE PITTS Hometown: Toronto, Ontario YP Placement: Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal, in Kathmandu, Nepal What's she's looking forward to: "I am so excited to put my knowledge of the field into practice over the next five months in Nepal. I feel very honored to have been selected for this position, and to have the opportunity to work on an issue that is so close my heart." On the motivation behind her mine activism: "My interest in mine action was fostered during my time as a Project Officer for the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor in Ottawa, and I know I will learn so much from my host organization, and come out of the program with stronger skills and fantastic experiences." MEET DUSTIN CIUFO Age: 27 Hometown: Stoney Creek, Ontario YP Placement: Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal, in Kathmandu, Nepal What he's looking forward to: "Through collaboratively implementing mine risk education events, writing funding proposals and advocating alongside landmine survivors, their families and communities, I am truly motivated to be one of a multitude of voices calling on the Nepalese Government to become a State Party to the Landmine Ban Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions." On the motivation behind his mine activism: "The opportunity to deepen my awareness of and contribute toward the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Cluster Munition Coalition is a remarkable privilege. Having been granted this position, I feel a deep sense of responsibility campaigning for a safer Nepal. The terror that landmines and cluster munitions produce reminds us that an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The inspirational work of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Cluster Munition Coalition demonstrates that not only is a better world possible, it is currently under construction and I feel truly motivated to serve as one of countless builders assembling a mine free world." MEET TAMANA ZAMIR Age: 23 Hometown: Toronto, Ontario YP Placement: Tajikistan Campaign to Ban Landmines in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. What she's looking forward to: Gaining new skills and visiting the markets and bazaars of Dushanbe. On the motivation behind her mine activism: "I am honoured to be a 2011 YP working in Tajikistan. I look forward to being able to further contribute to humanitarian work". MEET CANDICE BOTHA Where she's come from: "I'm a Carleton graduate and have been working in the disability rights movement for years." YP Placement: Zambian Campaign to Ban Landmines in Lusaka, Zambia What she's looking forward to: Joining the mine action family! On the motivation behind her mine activism: "The count down is on! I have been dreaming of an opportunity an opportunity to break into the international humanitarian field. I think that all of the 2011 young professionals feel confident going into their placements and feel very much connected to the global movement." Want to get involved with MAC's youth programming? There are many ways youth can get involved with mine action! Join up with a local or university MAC chapter or start your own. Become a fan of Mines Action Canada on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. These are great ways to keep updated about the work of our youth campaigners. Have more questions about MAC's youth programming? Contact our International Youth Program Officer, Jordan Nott, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Mines Action Canada partnered with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines to establish a small grants program to fund events that were aimed at drawing attention to the December 3rd signing anniversaries of the both the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. In addition to these two important anniversaries, December 3rd is also the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The theme for this year was "Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming disability in the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015 and beyond." Events were staged around the world from Sudan to Vietnam. Click here to read the full report on what the small grants funded. ADVOCATES FEARING “WORST CASE” SCENARIO AS CANADA DELAYS RATIFYING CLUSTER BOMB TREATY1 March 2011 (Ottawa) -- On the anniversary of the day the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines became binding international law (March 1, 1999), Canadian cluster bomb ban advocates are increasingly concerned about the lack of progress made on Canada’s ratification of the Cluster Munition Convention (CCM). Additionally, a lack of information is increasing the fear of a worst case scenario of weak, watered-down national legislation that creates loopholes permitting acts that would contravene the spirit of the treaty. The CCM entered into force on 1 August 2010 and has 108 signatories and 51 ratifications including almost all NATO allies and some of the most cluster bomb-affected countries in the world such as Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Laos. It bans the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs and dictates that stockpiles must be destroyed within eight years and all land must be cleared within ten years. It also clearly prohibits any State Party from assisting, encouraging or persuading anyone to engage in any activity banned by the Convention. However, a controversial article (Article 21) was also inserted in the final negotiations, largely at Canada’s insistence, in an attempt to clarify the impact on joint operations with countries not party to the treaty. Advocates fear that Canada’s silence and delay in its ratification is a result of internal negotiations on the interpretation of this article with an intent to water down and create a loophole of exceptions in our treaty obligations during joint operations with allies like the US – something no other country has done to date and which advocates believe could contravene the treaty’s spirit and intent. "We know from Wikileaks that the US put an extreme amount of pressure on its allies during the treaty negotiations to not join the treaty or to water down the text to something the US would find acceptable – an effort that was largely unsuccessful. We know there is support among all parties in the House of Commons for a ban on cluster munitions and are concerned that delay in ratification may be resulting from outside pressure to use Article 21 to create loopholes to permit very questionable acts”, said Paul Hannon, Mines Action Canada’s Executive Director. “With recent media reports indicating significant disagreements within the government we are fearful that this means Canada is interpreting its obligations on this article in a manner that allows exceptions to the treaty – setting a dangerous precedent for other countries.” Today, as part of the 11th annual Canadian Landmine Action Week, MAC launched a targeted letter writing campaign aimed at the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister MacKay, and Defence Minister Cannon outlining Canadians concerns about Canada’s ratification and expectations for national legislation. “As we celebrate today the considerable success of the Ottawa Treaty protecting innocent civilians by banning antipersonnel landmines, it is critical to remember that the ban on cluster bombs was built on the best of the Ottawa Convention – something that would not have even been possible without bold Canadian vision and leadership,” continued Hannon. “Canadians are deservedly proud of our role in ridding the world of landmines which is why we commemorate this anniversary each year across the country. We know from over ten years of implementation of the Ottawa Treaty that issues related to joint operations with states not yet party to the treaty can be managed. The Convention on Cluster Munitions does not prohibit joint operations, but it does prohibit use of this banned weapon by signatories such as Canada. The same is true of the Ottawa Treaty. There is no need to create loopholes for joint operations. We are asking the Canadian government for some clarity and reassurance on the status and direction of our treaty legislation before it is set in stone and we will continue to mobilize our supporters until we receive it.” ### For more information or interviews, please contact Nancy Ingram at 613 851 5439 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Mines Action Canada (MAC), a coalition of Canadian non-governmental organizations, is an international leader working to eliminate the serious humanitarian, environmental and developmental consequences of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). We believe the human-made disaster caused by these weapons is solvable in our lifetime. We exist to advocate for alleviation of the impact of these weapons on the rights, dignity and well-being of civilian populations. MAC serves on the leadership of both the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Cluster Munition Coalition and is the lead agency responsible for producing the annual Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor reports.
LAUNCH OF 2011 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM! Mines Action Canada is pleased to formally announce that we are now actively recruiting young Canadians to be a part of the next cohort of mine action interns or as we like call them Young Professionals (YPs). Over the coming weeks, we expect to be inundated with applications form highly skilled and committed young people from across the country. This is not only an exciting time for all of the applicants but also for MAC, as we start the process of helping to shape the next generation of mine action campaigners and social justice advocates. This year YPs will be placed with the following organizations:
MAC is accepting applications for these internships from now until January 26th, 2011. To apply, click here. Each year the calibre of the candidates seems to rise exponentially. The candidates that are selected to fill each of these positions will be entrusted with real responsibilities and have high expectations for success placed upon their shoulders. They will join an ever growing list of young Canadians who have taken part in this program, who have gone on to accomplish great things in a number of divergent professional fields in the not-for-profit, public and private sectors in this country and abroad. MAC like would to take this opportunity to thank all of our local implementing partners for their continued willingness to be a part of this program. We also like to acknowledge that this project is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Projet réalisé avec l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada accordé par l’entremise de l’Agence canadienne de développement international (ACDI).
Governments Urged to Eliminate Landmines Within Years, Not Decades Geneva, 29 November 2010 -- Sustained political engagement and financial support is needed is to overcome the global landmine problem, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) said today at the opening of an annual meeting of the 1997 treaty banning antipersonnel landmines. “The threat posed by landmines is still urgent, but it is also a finite problem that can be resolved if governments remain committed until all mined areas are cleared, all survivors enjoy the rights and economic possibilities available to others, and all stockpiles are destroyed,” said Sylvie Brigot, Executive Director of the ICBL. “Much progress has been made over the past decade, but governments need to keep up the energy to achieve the goal of a mine-free world.” As reported in the Landmine Monitor 2010 report last week, Canada’s contributions to funding and leadership during the past year were dismal with significant decreases across the board in sharp contrast to previous years. Canadian funding for mine action totaled just over C$21 million – a 57% drop from the previous year and its lowest level of funding for mine action since 2002. This was the largest funding decrease recorded for any donor country by far in 2009. The next highest decrease was recorded by the Netherlands at 35% (C$10.4 million). The United States, the European Commission, Japan, Norway, and Germany provided 61% of all international support compared to only 49% in the previous year, and despite a global recession. “As Canadians, we find this drastic decrease alarming and are urging other concerned Canadians to question Canada’s significant drop in leadership and mine action funding over the past year to let them know Canadians care deeply about this issue ,” said Paul Hannon, Executive Director of Mines Action Canada (MAC), the Canadian campaign to ban landmines and cluster bombs. “The Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty is having a major, demonstrable and measurable beneficial impact on tens of thousands of people in thousands of communities around the world and we know this for a fact from the findings of the Landmine Monitor report. If this is the start of a trend for Canada, we will become known as laggards and our leadership on this issue is in danger of becoming a piece of history only. We cannot afford to let that happen on this ground-breaking treaty that is named after our great country.” The Tenth Meeting of the States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty will be held at the United Nations in Geneva from 29 November to 3 December 2010. Representatives from most of the 156 governments that have joined the treaty are expected to attend, as well as China, Russia, the United States and other observer delegations from the 39 states that have not joined the treaty. An ICBL delegation of more 120 campaigners from 33 countries, including landmine survivors, is participating in the meeting. “This meeting must address a range of implementation issues if the Mine Ban Treaty is to be fully realized,” said Eva Veble, Head of the Mine Action Unit at DanChurchAid. “States Parties and all stakeholders should look at how they can make a more efficient and effective use of available resources to get the job done, and how they can ensure even closer cooperation.” Issues of concern for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines at the meeting include:
ENDS Media contact Amelie Chayer, Communications Officer (In Geneva, GMT +1) Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Mobile: +41 76 728 53 20 or +33 6 89 55 12 81 Background Adopted in 1997, the Mine Ban Treaty entered into force on 1 March 1999. The treaty comprehensively bans all antipersonnel mines, requires destruction of stockpiled mines within four years, requires destruction of mines already in the ground within 10 years, and urges extensive programs to assist the victims of landmines. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines is a global network in over 90 countries, working for a world free of antipersonnel landmines. In 1997, the ICBL received the Nobel Peace Prize together with its founding coordinator Jody Williams for its efforts to bring about the Mine Ban Treaty. Additional information is available in Landmine Monitor 2010: www.the-monitor.org/lm/2010
Press Releases
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A Big Thanks to All Bomb Appetit! Pub Night Supporters!
Mines Action Canada’s Ottawa volunteer chapter recently hosted a fundraising/awareness-raising pub night as part of the numerous events that the chapter staged across the city to help mark Canadian Landmine Awareness Week. The event, held at The Standard Tavern on Elgin Street, included a special mine action-themed drink menu to help set the tone and raise additional funds. This event was very well attended by both new and old supporters of Mines Action Canada, and brought in more than $700 in entrance tickets alone. The most exciting part of the night was the prize draw. The volunteer chapter obtained some wonderful donations from a wide range of merchants from across the Ottawa area.
Mines Action Canada would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the night’s diverse sponsors. First, and foremost, a heartfelt thanks to The Standard Tavern, which served as the backdrop for the fundraiser. The Standard team really got behind this event, and their efforts were fundamental to making the night so memorable.
We would of course also like to thank all of the local businesses that donated items for the prize draw, including: Starbucks, Life of Pie, Taylor’s Genuine Food & Wine Bar, Great Canadian Theatre Company, Credible Edibles, Heavens to Betsy Nic Nac Bonanza, Empire Cinemas, The Flour Shoppe, Tennessy Willems Wood Oven Pizza, Sisters’ Sweets Bakery, the Mud Oven and Kunstadt Sports.
Mines Action Canada would like to pay special thanks to Condoasis who kindly donated our grand prize for the draw - a weekend condo rental at Mt. Tremblant.
Lastly, and most importantly, the entire team at Mines Action Canada would like to extend both a huge thank you and congratulations to the Ottawa volunteer chapter for creating such a tremendous event!!