Princess Diana's 1997 Minefield Walk: A Heartfelt Mission
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(BBC) Princess Diana's iconic 1997 walk through a live minefield in Angola played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the devastating impact of landmines. At the time, Angola was recovering from a civil war marked by over 15 million landmines, causing widespread civilian casualties and hindering post-conflict recovery. Diana's advocacy for a global ban on landmines, despite facing criticism from some politicians, mobilized public opinion and led to increased funding for demining projects.
The media spotlight on her efforts culminated in the Ottawa Treaty of 1999, aiming to eliminate anti-personnel landmines. However, the landmine issue persists globally, with key countries refusing to sign the treaty. Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, continue her advocacy, supporting organizations dedicated to demining efforts. Despite progress, the scale of the problem remains immense, with ongoing casualties and new mines being laid in conflict areas.