A landmine is an explosive device, which is hid under the ground. It intended to kill people through its explosive nature when they pass near it or step on it. The device is designed to explode by exerting pressure on it. This device causes injury either by direct blast or by throwing fragments. Associates of the International campaign to ban landmines (ICBL) have appealed to the states of the world to support landmine victims and stop the use of landmines. This international organization has adversely addressed the deadly legacy of land mines with the survivors of the effects of this device suffering harsh consequences.
The ICBL is an international network. It has its offices and branches in around 100 countries of the world .its main aim is to see a world free of antipersonnel landmines. It was launched in 1992 by the efforts of six nongovernmental institutions. The structure of this campaign and its strategies has evolved with the evolving circumstances that it faces. It seeks to create an environment in the world where the survivors of landmines can live fulfilling lives. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as recognition of its efforts in bringing the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. Since this period, the campaign has tirelessly been advocating for the provisions of this treaty to become a reality. It also believes that the civil societies can change the world to the better.
In relation to the seven dimensions, the campaign is applicable to some of them. The first dimension that the ICBL is applicable with is participation (Zweifel 19). The campaign recognizes that every member of the society has a right to be heard and can initiate a change. Therefore, it welcomes participation from recognized governments. Even though non-state armed groups may not become States parties, their participation is provided for by allowing they make use of mechanisms such as codes of conduct or deeds of commitment. Through such mechanisms, they can declare their commitment to the prohibition of production, stockpile, use and transfer of antipersonnel landmines. They can also cooperate in mine clearing activities and victim assistance through such treaties.
Transparency and accountability (Zweifel 21) are some of the basic contents of the constitution of the campaign. States parties must keep and avail records of compliance with the mine ban treaty. The treaty strives to maintain trust and transparency among States parties. For this reason, the non-governmental organizations strive to monitor and encourage compliance. The ICBL have a systematic way of monitoring the reports on the implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty. To maintain transparency, the annual transparency reports are sent to the UN Secretary General. The report contains the progress of mine destruction programmes, quantity of mines in stock and the measures taken to assist the mine victims among other information.
In relation to the reason-giving dimension (Zweifel 21), despite taking an important course, the committee strives to inform the public and governments of the need to curb the problem of landmines. The committee highlights with reference to the landmine victims as its major concern. It is incorporating with organizations such as Afghan Landmine Survivors Organization (ALSO), among others to sensitize the nations on the deadly effects of landmines and the need to seek a solution to the landmine problem.
The other dimension that the committee complies with is monitoring (Zweifel 22). The States parties are monitored to ensure they comply with the provisions of the Mine Ban Treaty. The committee ensures the provisions of the treaty are adhered to and that full cooperation is achieved of the States parties.
Finally, the ICBL is an independent (Zweifel 23) institution that carries out its activities without any external influence. It on its own agenda and not on behalf of any institution. It welcomes contributions from interest groups, but cannot be influenced by the requirements any other institution to suit the latter’s interest. It only welcomes advice from its donors, which are national governments, UNICEF and World Bank.
Work Cited:
Thomas D Zweifel. International Organizations and Democracy: Accountability, Politics, and Power. New York: Swiss Consulting Group, Inc., 2006. Print.
