The signing of the Ottawa Treaty, formally known as the Mine Ban Treaty, marked a critical juncture in international humanitarian law. Leading representatives from 121 countries gathered in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, to formalize their commitment to prohibiting the use of anti-personnel landmines. Their collective decision stemmed from heightened international awareness of the catastrophic consequences of landmines, which indiscriminately harmed civilians long after conflicts had ended. The treaty aimed to eliminate these weapons from global arsenals and to assist in the clearance of existing mines in affected areas.The effort was catalyzed by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and its co-founder Jody Williams, who played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of landmine victims and pushing for a global ban. The negotiations culminated in December 1997, resulting in a comprehensive agreement that not only prohibited the use and production of anti-personnel mines but also called for assistance to affected countries in dealing with the aftermath of landmines. Among the signatories, countries expressed a shared conviction to protect civilian populations from the dangers posed by these weapons.While the majority of the international community embraced the treaty, notable absences included the United States, People's Republic of China, and Russia. Their decision not to sign underlined geopolitical divides regarding security concerns and the role of landmines in warfare. Nevertheless, the Ottawa Treaty represented a defining moment in international diplomacy, reflecting a growing consensus on the need to prioritize humanitarian considerations in global military policies and practices.