According to the BBC, Nepal has successfully cleared the last of its landmines following the end of its civil war five years ago. The impact of landmines can be devastating to health and the economy: concealed landmines can kill or maim anyone who accidentally encounters one; they can also leave whole areas undeveloped for fear of injury (a veritable scorched earth policy). This is particularly relevant in the wake of reports of Gaddafi’s use of landmines throughout Libya. The news out of Nepal isn’t all good: the country still refuses to sign the international Ottawa Treaty banning landmines.
These signs are bad news, but their absence can be even worse news.
