The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, meeting at its 24th Ordinary Session from 22 to 31 October 1998 in Banjul, The Gambia:
Taking note of the various international and regional meetings ushering in the coming into force of the Ottawa Convention as September 1998, prohibiting the production, use, transfer and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines,
Emphasising that to date only five countries have ratified this Convention, and that more than 15 African Countries are yet to sign it,
Noting that the African continent remains the most heavily mined region of the world;
Observing that anti-personnel mines continue to kill and mutilate vast populations including a great number of women and children.
CALLS on African States to sign and ratify without delay the Ottawa Treaty on the prohibition, production, use, transfer, stockpiling of anti-personnel mines.
WELCOMES the International campaign against anti-personnel mines urged by the Human Rights activists and contribute to the implementation of the various action plans against the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines.
Banjul, 31st October 1998.
