Ottawa Landmine Treaty 20 Years On

Conference will mark groundbreaking treaty, but more work to be done

Soldiers conduct a de-mining training in Campo Alegre, Colombia, on April 16, 2015. Canada marks 20 years since the signing of the Ottawa Treaty, which became the cornerstone of the international effort to end the use of landmines. Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty Images

Twenty years ago on Dec. 3, 1997, representatives from 122 countries gathered in Ottawa to sign the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, a groundbreaking treaty that was seen as a diplomatic coup for Canada.

Canada was hailed for its leadership role in crafting the convention, also called the Ottawa Treaty, which became the cornerstone of the international effort to end the suffering and casualties caused by landmines.