Washington D.C., Apr 25, 2012 / 23:03 pm
Representatives of more than 75 nongovernmental organizations have called on the United States to join a treaty banning the use of antipersonnel landmines.
Such a ban would illustrate the U.S.'s commitment to protect “civilians from the ravages of war,” and would align with the nation's “generous support for mine clearance programs around the world,” the leaders said.
Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, joined with leaders of both religious and secular groups to encourage the United States to sign the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty.
Other signatories included representatives from groups including Catholic Relief Services, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International USA.