United Nations Radio

More than 40 million stockpiled anti-personnel mines have been destroyed, and the production, transfer and sale of these weapons has been stopped in many parts of the world.

That, according to Dmitry Titov, Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

Speaking to journalists in New York on Tuesday, Mr. Titov described the period of 2008-2009 as "remarkable" for mine action.

He said mine clearance has opened up nearly 30,000 km of roads in Sudan, thus allowing refugees and displaced people to return home, while facilitating the transport of vital humanitarian assistance.

And in Afghanistan, which is home to the oldest and largest UN mine action programme, the destruction of thousands of mines has resulted in a drop in casualties from 100 per month in 2005 to 60 per month today.

" It is now widely acknowledged that mine clearance is an endeavour necessary for laying the foundation of peace. Many states that have not joined the Anti-personnel Mine Ban treaty have nonetheless respected its basic principles."

Nearly 160 countries have signed on to that treaty, which this year celebrated its 10th anniversary of entry into force.

A conference to review progress and challenges with the implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty will take place from November 30 - December 4 in Cartagena, Colombia.

Dianne Penn, United Nations Radio.

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