Fourth International Non-governmental
Organization Conference on Landmines: Toward
a Mine-free Southern Africa
Maputo, Mozambique
25–28 February 1997
Hosted by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)
and the Mozambique Campaign to Ban Landmines
Within the framework of an ICBL regional conference for Africa, the ICRC brought together twelve National Societies from southern Africa to discuss their role in moving the region forward towards a total ban on antipersonnel mines. The National Societies issued a strong declaration calling upon their governments – representing some of the world's most mineaffected countries – to support the Ottawa process, to prohibit antipersonnel mines at national level, and to work together to establish an anti-personnel mine-free zone in southern Africa.
Maputo, 28 February 1997
Immense long-term human suffering has been caused by the use oftens of millions of anti-personnel landmines in the countries of southern Africa over the past two decades. Mines have already killed or maimed tens of thousands of men, women and children in the region and inflicted deep and prolonged wounds on societies and economies. Even though peace and stability are returning to the region, millions of uncleared landmines remain a major obstacle to post-conflict development and reconstruction and will continue to claim innocent lives and limbs for years to come.
The National Red Cross Societies of southern Africa, together with the entire International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, have direct experience in caring for the innocent casualties of anti-personnel mines: our doctors, surgeons and volunteers have treated many of the victims and Red Cross physical
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