International Campaign to Ban Landmines facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | ICBL |
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| Formation | October 1992 |
| Founder | Jody Williams |
| Founded at | New York, USA |
| Type | NGO |
| Legal status | Nonprofit |
| Purpose | Working for a world free of antipersonnel landmines and cluster munitions |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
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Region
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Worldwide |
| Methods | Public awareness, publications and advocating at national, regional and international levels |
| Fields | Disarmament of anti-personnel mines |
| Website | www.icbl.org |
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) is a large group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Their main goal is to create a world completely free of dangerous weapons like anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions. They also work to make sure that people who have survived these weapons get the help and respect they deserve. They want survivors to live full and happy lives.
Contents
How the ICBL Started
The ICBL began in 1992. Six different organizations, all interested in the same goal, decided to work together. These groups came from France, Germany, the UK, and the USA. They realized that by cooperating, they could make a bigger difference.
Growing the Campaign
Since its start, the ICBL has grown a lot. It is now a network with active members in about 100 countries around the world. Many different kinds of groups have joined. These include groups focused on women, children, military veterans, and religious communities. Environmental groups, human rights organizations, and peace groups are also part of the campaign. They all work locally, nationally, and internationally to get rid of anti-personnel landmines. A very famous supporter was Diana, Princess of Wales.
Winning the Nobel Peace Prize
In 1997, the ICBL and its first leader, Jody Williams, were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This important prize recognized their hard work. They helped create the Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Treaty.
The Mine Ban Treaty
The signing of the Mine Ban Treaty is seen as the ICBL's biggest success. This treaty makes it illegal to use, make, store, or move anti-personnel mines. It was a huge step towards a safer world. When the prize was given, it was accepted by Rae McGrath, one of the ICBL's co-founders, and Tunn Channareth. Tunn Channareth was a Cambodian person who had been a victim of a landmine and was an activist for the ICBL.
What the ICBL Does Today
The ICBL continues its important work today. They keep a close eye on the global situation with landmines and cluster munitions. They do this through their research group, called the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor.
Advocating for Change
The ICBL also works to convince governments and other groups to follow the Mine Ban Treaty. They want more countries to join the treaty. They also push for programs that help communities affected by mines. This includes supporting survivors and their families. The ICBL wants to stop the making, use, and transfer of landmines completely. This includes asking armed groups that are not part of a government to respect the ban on mines. They speak out against the use of mines and help people learn more about the issue. They do this by organizing events and getting media attention.
See also
In Spanish: Campaña Internacional para la Prohibición de las Minas Antipersona para niños
