Responding to a challenge issued by Canada, on December 3rd 1997 122 countries stated their intention to implement the Treaty. The Ottawa Treaty required forty ratifications to come into effect and become international law. The treaty entered into force and became binding among the forty ratifying states on 1 March 1999. After that date, each additional country becomes bound six months after its instrument is deposited. At that point the country is considered to be a party to the treaty.

As of April 2007, 153 countries have signed and ratified the Treaty. Poland and the Marshall Islands have signed but not ratified. Forty states, including the People's Republic of China, India, Russia and the United States, have not signed.

"Last night I had the strangest dream, I've ever dreamed before, I dreamed the world had all agreed, to put an end to war..."

Serena Ryder
(Last night I Had The Strangest Dream)

Perhaps her most widely publicized charity appearance was her visit to Angola in January 1997, when, serving as an International Red Cross VIP volunteer, she visited landmine survivors in hospitals, toured de-mining projects, and attended mine awareness education classes about the dangers of mines immediately surrounding homes and villages.

The pictures of Diana touring a minefield, in a ballistic helmet and flak jacket, were seen worldwide. In August that year, she visited Bosnia with the Landmine Survivors Network. Her interest in landmines was focused on the injuries they create, often to children, long after the conflict has finished.

A safe, fun and active way to participate in this campaign for communities, schools, etc. is to arrange to host a "Walk About".

Once you have organized the walk at your school, participants gather pledges from friends and family and test their mettle on a walk around the school grounds. The more laps you do the more money you raise for the cause.

Once you register you will receive a complimentary WALK KIT. The WALK KIT comprises of helpful tips to organize the walk, landmine info, a DVD, a pledge form and much more!

If you would like to host a walk please click here to register.

Night of a Thousand Dinners (N1KD)is the world's most significant fundraiser for mine action.

o Participation in over 40 countries
o Participation of Canadian and US diplomatic service through N1KD promotion to all Canadian and U.S. Embassies and Missions
o Participation in 90% of Rotary Districts across Canada
o high-profile events in Ottawa (Rideau Hall reception hosted by the Governor General), Washington (State Department dinner hosted by Colin Powell), London (reception at Canada House attended by Sir Paul McCartney), Zagreb (organised by the Canadian and U.S. Embassies).

For more information on Night Of A Thousand Dinners please click here!

Mine detection dogs (MDD) can speed up the work of manual demining by about 10 times. If a manual deminer can clear 100 sq. metres per day, the addition of a MDD can increase the rate to 1,000 square metres per day.

These incredible canine demining partners are remarkably adept at identifying the location of mines, without coming into direct contact with them. They smell the explosive charge.

Canine Demine has now sponsored the training and work of 9 dogs: Alex, Fanny, Nightingale, Pax, Layla, Remi, Louis, Trooper and Victor. Our canine partners and their handlers are all currently working in Bosnia-Herzegovina and some are being considered for work in northern Afghanistan. There has never been a Canadian-trained dog killed or injured in the field.

During 2007-08 we are working to fund the training of an additional five dogs.