Protocol II of the Convention prohibits the indiscriminate use of mines, and their intentional use against civilians. It also requires that remotely delivered landmines have effective self-destructing and self-deactivating mechanisms.
After three years of negotiations, an amendment to Protocol II was agreed upon in 1996. Unlike the initial Protocol II, the Amended Protocol II applies to internal conflicts as well as conflicts between states. It also prohibits the use of antipersonnel mines that do not contain enough iron to be detected with standard demining equipment and limits the transfer of landmines.
The Amended Protocol II entered into force on 3 December 1998. It is deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations in New York. Many countries that are not party to the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Treaty have consented to be bound by CCW Protocol II. These include China, India, Israel, Pakistan and the United States. As of May 2008, 90 countries have consented to be bound by Amended Protocol II.
The Annual Conference of the High Contracting Parties to AP II will take place on 12 November 2008.
Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices as amended on 3 May 1996 (Amended Protocol II)
