Anti-Personal Mine Ban Convention (APMBC)
The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (also known as Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Ottawa Convention, or Mine Ban Treaty) is an international treaty aimed
The Convention has been a significant instrument in the global effort to address the devastating impact of anti-personnel landmines on civilians, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
To date, there are 164 States that have formally agreed to be bound by the Convention, contributing to the reduction of landmine-related casualties and the promotion of mine clearance efforts.
Sri Lanka acceded to the Convention on 13 December 2017, and the Convention entered into force for Sri Lanka on 1 June 2018.
Each State has a dedicated page with information concerning the Convention process and obligations:
Obligations under the Convention
Notwithstanding the obligation to destroy all stockpiled anti-personnel mines, the Convention permits the retention of the minimum number of anti-personnel mines absolutely necessary for the development of and training in mine detection, mine clearance, or mine destruction techniques.
In its initial transparency report Sri Lanka reported having retained 21,153 anti-personnel mines for these purposes.
In its initial transparency report, Sri Lanka reported areas under its jurisdiction or control in which anti-personnel mines were known or suspected to be emplaced.
In accordance with Article 5 of the Convention, Sri Lanka undertook to destroy or ensure the destruction of all anti-personnel mines in these areas as soon as possible but not later than 1 June 2028.
Annually and no later than 30 April, each State Party is to update information covering the previous calendar year.
The latest Article 7 reports for this State Party can be found on the official page and below:
In its initial transparency report submitted on 28 November 2018, Sri Lanka reported stockpiled anti-personnel mines under its ownership or possession.
On 30 September 2021 Sri Lanka reported it had fulfilled its obligation.
In total Sri Lanka reported having destroyed 12,000 landmines.
Sri Lanka is one of the States Parties that has indicated having significant numbers – hundreds or thousands – of landmine survivors.
Sri Lanka is also a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Each State Party is to take all appropriate legal, administrative and other measures, including the imposition of penal sanctions, to prevent and suppress any activity prohibited to a State Party under this Convention undertaken by persons or on territory under its jurisdiction or control.
Sri Lanka has reported having established national implementation measures or that it considers existing legislation to be sufficient.