U.S. Policy

Evolution of U.S. Policy on Antipersonnel Landmines.

2006

Jun. – U.S. Military Awards Contract for Spider, First New Landmine in Nearly 10 Years

The U.S. military awarded a contract to Alliant Techsystems and Textron Systems Corp. to begin Low Rate Initial Production of the Spider landmine system. The new contract, worth $31.3 million, is for initial testing production, in anticipation of eventual full rate production.

2005

Dec. 31 – Congress Requires Military to Report on Indiscriminant Effects of New Landmine Before Full Production

In a last minute decision at the end of 2005, the U.S. Congress has told the Pentagon not to move forward with full-rate production of any new landmines before studying the possible indiscriminate consequences for deploying this weapon. The U.S. has not begun production of a new landmine since 1997. According to budget documents submitted by the administration, the Defense Department had planned to make a decision in December 2005 on production of a particular new landmine called “Spider.” However, Congress delayed a decision on full-rate production by including a provision in the fiscal year 2006 military (“defense”) appropriations bill, passed on December 31, 2005, that requires the Secretary of the Army to conduct a review of new landmine technologies and report on the possible indiscriminate effects of these new systems before a full production decision is made.

Jul. – Human Rights Watch Releases Report on New U.S. Antipersonnel Mine Production

Human Rights Watch released a report “Back in Business?: U.S. Landmine Production and Exports” which details current and potential antipersonnel landmine use by the U.S. According to the report, the Pentagon will decide by December 2005 whether it will move forward with production a new antipersonnel landmine system called Spider. The report also details reported U.S. landmine deployment in Iraq, Pentagon budget requests for landmine development through 2008, and critiques U.S. policy to only ban self-destructing mines.

Feb. – U.S. Plans to Deploy New Antipersonnel Mine System in Iraq

According to unconfirmed reports, the U.S. shipped a new landmine system called Matrix to a U.S. Stryker brigade in Iraq. Matrix, reliant on a soldier’s ability to correctly identify an enemy from afar, allows the military to remotely detonate mines via radio signal. In a news release, Human Rights Watch suggested that the new Matrix landmine still posed a serious threat to civilians because of the difficulty in distinguishing between friend and foe on the battlefield.

Jan. 3 – U.S. Bans Non-detectable Mines

The U.S. Department of State announced that the U.S. would ban the use of landmines which “cannot be located with the standard metal detectors used by military and humanitarian deminers.”

2004

Nov.-Dec. – World Governments Meet to Mark 5-year Anniversary of Mine Ban Treaty

The Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World was convened as the First Review Conference of the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty. Convened to review the status of the Convention and to consider future meetings of the State Parties to the Convention, the Conference adopted the 2004 Nairobi Declaration reaffirming the State Parties’ commitment to the mine ban and outlined the challenges which remained.

Feb. 27 – U.S. Announces New Landmine Policy

The U.S. Department of State announced a new landmine policy which it said “is a significant departure from past approaches to landmines.” The new U.S. policy pledges to eliminate persistent landmines in the U.S. arsenal and to continue the use and development of non-persistent (self-destructing/self-deactivating) landmines. Significantly, the new U.S. policy abandons the previously articulated objective of joining the Mine Ban Treaty at some future date.

2003

Dec. 1 – U.S. Agrees to Participate in New Protocol V of the Convention on Conventional Weapons

The U.S. agreed, along with Russia and China, to establish a new Protocol V to the Convention on Certain Types of Conventional Weapons (CCW) on explosive remnants of war. Under the new protocol, participating governments are responsible for removing explosive remnants of war, including landmines, from land under their control. Participating governments are also responsible for providing warnings, risk education and other programs to protect civilian populations in areas under their control plagued by explosive remnants of war.

2001

Dec. 18 – 124 House Members Sign Letter to President Bush about U.S. Landmine Policy Review

In response to reports that the Department of Defense was redirecting the review of landmine policy towards a reversal of current U.S. landmine policy, several members in the House circulated a "Dear Colleague" to President Bush. The letter called for the president to, at a minimum, maintain the status quo and not reverse current U.S. policy to join to the Mine Ban Treaty by 2006. The letter asked the president to "redirect the landmine policy review to reflect the need for the elimination of this out-moded, indiscriminate weapon from the U.S. arsenal." One hundred and twenty-four members of the House signed the letter to President Bush, and it was sent on Dec. 18, 2001.

Jul. – President Bush Orders a Review of U.S. Landmine Policy

As part of the Quadrennial Defense Review, President Bush ordered a review of U.S. landmine policy. The outcome of the review will be used to shape the administration’s official policy on landmines. The review will include input from the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the National Security Council.

Jan. 19 – President Clinton Issues Last Statement on Landmines

On his last day in office, President Clinton issued a press statement on antipersonnel landmines. In the statement, President Clinton praised his administration for its contributions to the destruction of landmines and assistance to landmine victims. He defended the failure of the U.S. to sign the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty by calling it a decision made out of concern for the safety of United States troops. In closing, President Clinton deferred all landmine policy decisions to the incoming President, George W. Bush.

2000

Oct. 10 – Ralph Nader Supports Mine Ban Treaty

Ralph Nader, the Green Party candidate for president, issued a statement on October 10, 2000, endorsing the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty (also known as the Ottawa Convention), and promised, if elected, to send the treaty to the U.S. Senate for advice and consent. He also called on the other candidates to endorse the ban. Vice President Al Gore publicly supports President Clinton's current policy stating that the U.S. will join the treaty in 2006, but only if "suitable alternatives to antipersonnel landmines are found and fielded." Governor Bush has not issued a statement regarding his policy towards landmines and joining the Mine Ban Treaty.

Jun. 20 – One Hundred Members of Congress Urge President Clinton to Join Mine Ban Treaty

One hundred members of Congress released a letter on June 20, 2000, expressing support for the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty and calling on President Clinton to take steps before the end of his term to move the United States to a comprehensive ban on antipersonnel mines. Under the leadership of Congressmen Lane Evans (D-IL), Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Jack Quinn (R-NY), this letter garnered bi-partisan support. The members of Congress who signed the letter asked the White House to:

   1. announce a permanent ban or moratorium on U.S. production of antipersonnel landmines,

   2. demand that the Pentagon identify and obtain other alternatives to antipersonnel landmines that comply with the 1997 Convention,

   3. cease the production and development of the RADAM mixed mine system, which does not comply with the 1997 Convention.

1999

May 25 – Amendment for RADAM Funding Dropped From FY 2000 Budget

The Senate Appropriations Committee decided to drop the $48.3 million requested for RADAM from the Senate defense appropriations bill. RADAM, a combined antipersonnel and anti-tank mine system, redefines and repackages stockpiled antipersonnel landmines, which violates the Mine Ban Treaty (still unsigned by the U.S.) and undermines American leadership in demining practices. Appropriations for RADAM also violates the administration's agreement last year to postpone discussion on RADAM funding decision until FY 2001.

May 3-7 – First Meeting of the Signatory States of Mine Ban Treaty Held in Mozambique

The first meeting of the state parties of the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Use, Storage, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Landmines and their Destruction (also known as the Mine Ban Treaty) was held in Maputo, Mozambique. Invited to attend were 1,000 leaders from 150 countries and organizations. Parties discussed mine clearance and destruction and how to assist landmine survivors.

May 3 – ICBL Presents Landmine Monitor at First Meeting of State Parties of Mine Ban Treaty

At the opening of the first meeting of the states parties to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty in Maputo, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) presented to government delegates and the public the first report of its landmine monitor initiative: a 1,100-page book, titled Landmine Monitor Report 1999: Toward a Mine-Free World. The report is the most comprehensive book to date on the global landmine situation, containing information on every country in the world with respect to mine use, production, trade, stockpiling, humanitarian demining and mine survivor assistance. The executive summary of the Landmine Monitor and an order form for the full report is available at ICBL's web site.

Mar. 30 – USCBL Issues Statement in Response to Department of Defense

The U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines issued a statement in response to the Department of Defense (DoD) information paper that addresses the use of RADAM. The statement refutes DoD defense of the production of RADAM, arguing that RADAM violates the intent and spirit of the president's Decision Directive and the Mine Ban Treaty, undermines American leadership and credibility on this issue, and costs American taxpayers over $200 million on a weapons system which includes mines that the president has prohibited after 2003.

Mar. 1 – Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty Goes Into Effect

For the 134 countries who signed the Mine Ban Treaty over a year ago in Ottawa, Canada, the treaty went into effect on this day. At noon, church bells rang all over the world to commemorate this important date.

In Washington, D.C., landmine survivors and supporters led a procession from Lafayette Park to the White House. The procession celebrated the implementation of the treaty and recognized past, present and future landmine victims. It also served as a visual reminder to encourage the U.S. to sign the treaty. Participants carried prosthetic limbs, flowers, and bells to ring. Once at the White House gate, they laid down the prosthetic limbs and flowers while chanting, "Why not U.S.?"

Following the procession and bell-ringing, United States Campaign to Ban Landmines held a Capitol Hill press event and reception for survivors and members of Congress. Senator Patrick Leahy (VT) spoke to the audience of reporters, reaffirming his commitment to advocate for a landmine-free world.

The day concluded with a dinner for survivors and guests at Georgetown Presbyterian Church. Senator and Mrs. Leahys' presence at the dinner demonstrated their steadfast support for landmine victims.

1998

Dec. 3 – Mine Ban Treaty Marks First Year

December 3rd and 4th mark the one-year anniversary of the Mine Ban Treaty signature ceremony in Ottawa, Canada. A letter was sent from the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines to President Clinton, urging him to sign the Ottawa Treaty this year.

Nov. 15 – Tropical storm Mitch unearths Thousands of Landmines in Honduras and Nicaragua

The problem of landmines left over from the Central American wars of the 1980's has been exacerbated by Tropical Storm Mitch, which has dislodged thousands of mines and carried them to new locations where they imperil people who have already been hit hard by the storm. The French government has expedited demining personnel to the region.

Oct. 9 – Campaign for a Landmine-Free World Holds Benefit Concert in Washington D.C.

Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, an FCNL coalition partner in the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines, held a successful benefit concert for its Campaign for a Landmine-Free World featuring Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Sheryl Crow and Steve Earle. VVAF founder Bobby Muller also gave a presentation on the global landmines problem.

Oct. 8 – Sixty-six Arrests at Minnesota Mine Manufacturer Alliant Techsystems

Because the company continues to manufacture landmine components despite calls to discontinue this practice from Human Rights Watch and anti-landmine activists, protesters have held weekly protests at Alliant Techsystems in Hopkins, MN. On October 7 and 8, a total of 66 nonviolent protesters were arrested.

Sep. 16 – Fortieth Country Ratifies Mine Ban Treaty, ensuring entry into force

Burkina Faso became the 40th country to ratify the Ottawa Treaty, ensuring that it will go into force on March 1, 1999.

Jun. 22 – Human Rights Watch Stigmatization Campaign

In April 1997, Human Rights Watch Arms Division released Exposing the Source, a comprehensive expose of U.S. companies involved in the manufacture of antipersonnel landmine components. Following correspondence prior to the report's release, 17 of the 47 corporations in the report agreed to renounce all future involvement in antipersonnel landmine production. HRW, in cooperation with the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines, launched a "stigmatization campaign" against the remaining 30 recalcitrant companies. Grassroots pressure resulted in two companies renouncing their involvement by the end of 1997, Unitrode Corporation in New Hampshire and Thiokol Corporation in Utah.

May 21 – U.S. Announces it Will Sign Ottawa Treaty … Eventually; Sen. Leahy Responds with a Call for Swifter Action

The Clinton Administration released a Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) on landmines calling on the U.S. to sign the Ottawa Treaty by 2006. (This Executive directive outlines the Administration's policy on landmines for the coming years, but is not legally binding.) However, the PDD conditions U.S. signature on the Ottawa Treaty to first finding viable alternatives to landmines.

A clear U.S. commitment to sign the Ottawa Treaty is a tremendous victory for the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines. The debate over landmines has now shifted from a question of whether the U.S. will ban antipersonnel mines, to when a full ban will be implemented. However, President Clinton's continuing delay in signing the Ottawa Treaty and his insistence on having alternatives to landmines before giving up these indiscriminate weapons is unacceptable. The ban on landmines should start now; the U.S. should sign the Ottawa treaty now.

Sen. Leahy (VT), long-time congressional champion for a complete ban on landmines, welcomed President Clinton's announcement, but noted that the U.S. can and should sign the Ottawa Treaty well before 2006. In the coming weeks, Sen. Leahy will offer an amendment to the FY99 defense authorization bill which would advance the administration toward implementing its stated commitment. The Leahy landmines amendment would codify the PDD into law by confirming a U.S. commitment to sign the Ottawa Treaty. The amendment also calls on the U.S. to seek alternatives to landmines that are consistent with the Ottawa Treaty, but does not require that alternatives be found before the U.S. signs the treaty. The amendment is part of legislation for which Sen. Leahy is currently seeking cosponsors. The stand alone bill, The Landmine Survivors Assistance Act of 1998, states that it will be U.S. policy to sign the Ottawa Treaty, authorizes money for demining and victim assistance programs, and funds an independent peer-reviewed study to show that alternatives to landmines already exist.

1997

Dec. 3-4 – 122 Nations Sign Treaty Banning All Antipersonnel Landmines; U.S. Stands Aside

Gathering in Ottawa, 122 nations signed the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, also known as the Ottawa Treaty. The treaty serves not only as a gift to the world, but as an international norm against which national policies will be measured. Unfortunately, the U.S. did not sign the treaty and stands outside the convention with China, Russia, Iraq, Pakistan, and other hold-out states. The administration continues to claim that the U.S. needs smart mines in Korea and cannot give up anti-personnel mines which are part of U.S. anti-tank mine systems -- arguments which even military experts have challenged. President Clinton is calling for international contributions to increase humanitarian demining efforts, but such initiatives cannot excuse or serve as a substitute for the U.S. refusal to sign the treaty and continued use of landmines. Congressional and public pressure to move the U.S. to ending all use of anti-personnel mines and signing the Ottawa Treaty will be vital over the coming months.

Sep. 17 – U.S. Says It Will Not Sign Comprehensive International Ban Treaty

Close to 100 countries meeting in Oslo agreed to adopt a comprehensive treaty banning production, transfer, stockpiling, and use of all antipersonnel landmines. The U.S., however, has stated that it will not sign the international ban treaty. After entering the negotiations late, requesting various exemptions to the comprehensive ban, and receiving little support from other countries in the conference, the U.S. withdrew its so-called "compromise proposals" from the Oslo negotiations. In fact, the U.S. has not been willing to change its position in any significant way and continues to insist on using landmines in Korea. Bending to the demands of the Pentagon, President Clinton has not made good on his commitment to pursue a ban on landmines "as soon as possible." The Pentagon continues to claim landmines are necessary weapons in the defense of South Korea, despite various studies that dispute the utility of landmines in Korea or anywhere. In an attempt to counter his refusal to sign the international ban treaty and save face, President Clinton has promised to increase demining efforts around the world. However, the U.S. now stands outside the treaty along with China, Russia, and Pakistan--some of the world's largest mine producers and users. These countries will feel little pressure to join a landmines ban while the largest superpower in the world continues using and producing mines.

President Clinton can still bring the U.S. on board the Ottawa process and sign the international ban treaty in Ottawa this December. During the Oslo negotiations, Rep. Evans (IL) and Quinn (NY) introduced the Landmine Elimination Act of 1997 (HR 2459), which now has over 140 cosponsors. Senators Leahy (VT) and Hagel (NE) introduced identical legislation in the Senate in June (S 896). Sponsors of the legislation will continue to gather congressional support for their Landmine Elimination Acts and press the administration to go to Ottawa in December and sign the landmine ban treaty.

Aug. 18 – U.S. Joins Ottawa Process, But Seeks Exemptions

The Clinton administration announced it would join the Ottawa Process which is working to negotiate an international treaty to ban landmines, to be signed this December. Last December, Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy called on countries to commit to signing a comprehensive international ban treaty by the end of 1997. Since that time, over 100 countries have voiced their commitment to such a treaty, but, until recently, the U.S. has shunned the Ottawa Process in preference to the slow negotiating track through the UN Conference on Disarmament. This September, countries will meet in Oslo to negotiate a final treaty to be signed in Ottawa this December.

While the U.S. has announced that it will participate in the Oslo negotiations, it continues to insist on certain U.S. exemptions. The U.S. will likely demand an exemption for use of landmines on the Korean Peninsula, an exception for mine delivery systems that involve both anti-tank and antipersonnel mines, and possibly a delay of entry-into-force of the treaty. Although U.S. participation in the Ottawa Process could bring other countries on board, the demand for exemptions is not consistent with the original intent of the process: to complete and sign a comprehensive international treaty banning the production, transfer, stockpiling, development, and use of all antipersonnel landmines, without exceptions or exemptions. The conditions the U.S. seeks threaten to open the way for other countries to call for their own exceptions and to undermine the scope and effectiveness of the treaty.

Jun. 12 – Leahy-Hagel Landmines Legislation Urges Clinton One Step Closer to Ottawa

At a well-attended press conference outside the Capitol, Senators Patrick Leahy (VT) and Chuck Hagel (NE) introduced the Landmine Elimination Act of 1997. The legislation currently has 60 cosponsors, virtually assuring Senate passage. The bill would ban the U.S. use of anti-personnel landmines beginning Jan 1, 2000, with an exemption for the Korean Peninsula. This would nearly bring U.S. policy into compliance with the proposed Ottawa Treaty to ban landmines.

As the Senate introduced new landmine legislation, the House of Representatives, led by Rep. Lane Evans (IL), sent a letter to President Clinton urging full U.S. participation in the Ottawa process for a comprehensive international ban treaty in December 1997. Over 160 representatives signed the letter. Rep. Evans is expected to introduce legislation similar to the new Leahy-Hagel landmines bill in the House soon.

May – One Year Later Clinton Still Goes Slow on Landmines, UK Takes a Lead

May 16 marked the one year anniversary of President Clinton's public commitment to a ban on landmines. However, one day before, on May 15, the Clinton Administration announced that it would not sign a comprehensive treaty to ban landmines in Ottawa this coming December. To mark the occasion, the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines held a peaceful demonstration outside the White House urging President Clinton to initiate a unilateral ban on landmines and to go to Ottawa in December and sign an international ban treaty, without exceptions or exemptions.

On May 21, Robin Cook, Britain's new Foreign Secretary, announced that the UK would participate in the Ottawa Process and take immediate unilateral steps toward a comprehensive ban on landmines. The UK joins 50-100 countries that have expressed a commitment to full participation in the Ottawa process. The U.S., however, continues to pursue the slow negotiating track of the UN's Conference on Disarmament. The U.S. should join these countries in Ottawa in December to help rid the world of these indiscriminate weapons through the most effective and expedient means possible.

Jan. 17 – President Clinton Choose Conference on Disarmament Over Ottawa

President Clinton announced his decision to pursue negotiations for a ban on landmines through the United Nations Conference on Disarmament (CD), bypassing the Ottawa process for this much slower negotiating track. Although the White House did suggest it would revisit other possible negotiating tracks (presumably the Ottawa process) if progress on a ban had not been made in the CD by June, the decision demonstrates the administration's continuing lack of real commitment to an immediate comprehensive ban. Working through the CD, where a ban agreement could take decades to negotiate, the U.S. can maintain its exception for use of landmines in Korea, where U.S. military officials remain unwilling to abandon these inhumane weapons. However, the Ottawa Process for an international ban, without exceptions or exemptions, to be signed in December 1997, will continue. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines was extremely disappointed in President Clinton's decision to bypass the Ottawa Process, and will continue to press him to commit to coming to Ottawa in December and signing a comprehensive international treaty to ban landmines.

1996

Oct. – Ottawa Summit Makes Real Progress

During the CCW review conference, the Canadian government joined more than 40 nations and declared itself in favor of an immediate international ban on landmines. As a follow-up to the CCW, Canada convened a gathering of nations which support banning mines in Ottawa from October 3-5. Although still not committed to a timetable for outlawing landmines, the U.S. government attended the summit as a participant. At the conclusion of the summit, Canadian Foreign Prime Minister Lloyd Axworthy called for an international ban on the manufacture and use of anti-personnel land mines in 1997. Canada announced it would host another conference in December 1997 to sign an international ban treaty.

Spring – Geneva Review Conference Also Misses the Boat on Banning Mines

The UN Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), concluded in Geneva in the spring of 1996, revised the Landmines Protocol of 1980. Instead of moving the international community toward banning mines, the CCW set out additional rules and standards for mine warfare, essentially legitimizing the use of the weapons. Important restrictions were placed on the use of "undetectable" (low enough metallic content to elude metal detectors) dumb mines, but detectable dumb mines and self-deactivating or self-neutralizing "smart" mines will continue to be used.

May – “New” U.S. policy – Very Little Progress

The so-called "new" U.S. policy on landmines, submitted by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and accepted by President Clinton with little debate, makes remarkably little progress in the global effort to ban landmines. The policy purports to ban "dumb" landmines, but maintains an exception for Korea, which is the only location where U.S. troops use them. Additionally, the proposal endorses the use of so-called "smart mines" with self-destruct or self- deactivating mechanisms. The Campaign was deeply disappointed in President Clinton's failure to commit to a timeline for a worldwide ban and to implement meaningful national initiatives in support of the comprehensive elimination of all landmines.

Mar. 16 – Support For a Ban Builds as U.S. Policy Comes Under Review

General John Shalikashvili, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, ordered a review of the military's longstanding opposition to a ban on landmines. On the heels of this announcement, fifteen retired military leaders sent an open letter to President Clinton, strongly urging him to lead efforts "to achieve a total and permanent ban on the production, stockpiling, sale and USE of anti-personnel landmines." Published on a full page in the New York Times on April 3, the letter described a ban as "not only humane, but also militarily responsible."

Feb. 16 – Moratorium on Use of Landmines

Last year, Senator Leahy (VT) and Representative Evans (IL) introduced a bill to place a one year moratorium, beginning in 1999, on the use of antipersonnel landmines by the U.S. Armed Forces. In August 1995, the Senate voted to include it on both the FY96 defense authorization bill, and on the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. The Pentagon bill was vetoed for reasons not pertaining to the landmines amendment, and all language on landmines was dropped when the bill returned to conference. The Foreign Operations bill, however was incorporated into the Continuing Resolution (HR 2880). The C.R. passed, and when the President signed the bill on February 12, the Leahy/Evans provision became law.

1995

1994

Jun. 21 – Leahy Introduces Bill to Stop U.S. Mine Production and Procurement

Senator Leahy introduced, along with more than 50 Senate cosponsors, a bill that “would require a one-year moratorium on the production and procurement of [antipersonnel] mines” by the U.S. government. A parallel bill was also introduced by Representative Evans in the House. Hearing in preparation for the soon-to-be introduced bill “received prepared statements in support of the ban” from UNICEF, the UN Secretary-General, the president of the American Red Cross and others. The hearings also featured testimony from a landmine victim, Ken Rutherford.

1993

Sep. 1993 – Senate Unanimously Renews Leahy-Evans Export Moratorium

The U.S. Senate, by unanimous vote, renewed the Leahy-Evans export moratorium of 1992 for another three years.

1992

Oct. 23, 1992 – President Signs Leahy-Evans Export Moratorium

President George Bush signed the Leahy-Evans export moratorium which required a one-year moratorium on exports and transfers of antipersonnel mines from the U.S. The amendment also called on the U.S. to “seek verifiable international agreements prohibiting the sale, transfer, or export, and further limiting the use, production, possession, and deployment of antipersonnel landmines.”

US Campaign to Ban Landmines
c/o Friends Committee on National Legislation
245 2nd Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Tel: (202) 547-6000
Fax: (202) 547-6019
www.fcnl.org landmines@fcnl.org