The Role of NGOs in the Ottawa Process to Ban Landmines

The Ottawa Process, which brought about the Convention banning anti-personnel landmines, is examined. The article looks specifically at the role of NGOs in the negotiations. A brief description of the origins of the Ottawa Process is provided. Six issues regarding the nature and status of NGOs involved and the roles they played in the negotiations are then considered. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the circumstances under which NGOs might participate in international negotiations. The implications such occasions might have for questions such as democratizing foreign policy are also examined.