Background and Context
Following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on 21 March 2006 and the declaration of Nepal as a mine-free country on 14 June 2011, many government bodies, political parties, and members of the international community assumed that the threat posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) had been eliminated. However, there remains limited public awareness that communities, particularly children and civilians in conflict affected and remote areas, continue to face risks from unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This persistent threat undermines the collective vision of achieving zero mines and zero victims in Nepal.
Both during and after the armed conflict, civilians have borne the greatest burden of landmine and explosive contamination. More than 5,000 people have reportedly been killed, injured, or permanently disabled due to landmines, IEDs, and other explosive remnants of war. Although the Government of Nepal has undertaken efforts under the three pillars of mine action—mine clearance, mine risk education, and victim assistance—the country has yet to accede to international treaties prohibiting anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions. Consequently, Nepal is not legally obligated to develop national legislation aligned with these treaties or to implement international commitments such as the Oslo Action Plan and the Lausanne Action Plan. This has limited opportunities to fully utilize the rights, support mechanisms, and international cooperation frameworks available under these instruments.
Organizational Response
The Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmines (NCBL) continues to work closely with survivors and affected communities to advance the rights and well-being of victims of landmines, IEDs, and ERW. NCBL’s key objectives include:
Empowering and amplifying the voices of individuals affected by landmines and explosive weapons.
Expanding and strengthening networks by engaging a diverse range of stakeholders from various sectors.
Protecting and promoting the rights of survivors while advocating for greater government accountability and responsibility toward victims.
Promoting the nationwide implementation of the 17-Point Appeal and fostering unity among survivors through networking and collective action.
Activity Conducted
Seminar with Survivors of Landmines, IEDs, and ERW
In observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December) and International Human Rights Day (10 December), NCBL organized a seminar bringing together survivors of landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and explosive remnants of war (ERW).
The seminar provided a platform for survivors to share their experiences, challenges, and recommendations for strengthening victim assistance and advancing disability rights. NCBL documented at least one personal testimony from each participant and transformed these testimonies into advocacy posters. These materials serve as powerful tools for raising awareness, promoting the ban on landmines, and advocating for the protection and fulfillment of survivors’ rights.
Expected Outcomes
Increased visibility of the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of landmines, IEDs, and ERW.
Enhanced survivor participation in advocacy and policy dialogue.
Strengthened networking and solidarity among affected individuals and organizations.
Greater public awareness of the need for continued mine action and victim assistance efforts.
Improved advocacy for Nepal’s alignment with international humanitarian disarmament frameworks and survivor rights commitments.