2021-07-17

  • International Law
  • International Humanitarian Law

Decimating The Enemy Below: Ottawa Convention And The Realization Of Landmine Ban In International Law

Article by Olusola Babatunde Adegbite

Abstract

The article presents an eclectic overview of the most comprehensive and boldest attempt at landmine ban that is the Ottawa Convention 1997. It examines how for the first time a major global movement, made up of International NGOs and less than powerful states, broke new grounds and produced this historic document. It shows how international treaty-making was successfully carried out, notwithstanding a lack of cooperation from the superpower nations. Importantly, it discusses how the international legal framework under the convention, effectively addresses the ban on landmines. It notes that the convention not only expands the scope of the previously existing international legal framework but also creates cutting-edge international obligations while in uncommon firmness shuts out the vexed issue of reservations. It also highlights a major challenge before the convention which is the seeming aloofness and cavalier attitude of major superpowers such as the United States (US). It particularly examines the standoff between the US and the convention, submitting that the US stands to gain more by signing the convention, rather than its current state of disinterestedness and this would go a long way in realization of the objectives of the convention.

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