As the world exits a century which saw two World Wars destroy titans and all but decimate entire generations of young men, peaceful relations have become more crucial to maintaining world order and altruism. The nuclear arms race of the Cold War has ended thankfully without war or significant destruction. However, the only way to maintain absolute world peace is the disarmament process. War is an effective method to assert will, but with the advancements that have been made in weaponry and war, it comes with it a cost we can nary afford to pay.

             Approximately 120 million landmines remain buried and armed in 71 countries worldwide. Two to five million new landmines are planted each year. In particularly war-torn countries such as Cambodia, Afghanistan, Angola, and Bosnia, millions of landmines remain. Even in countries that haven"t seen war in years, such as Vietnam and El Salvador, mines still pose a threat. .

             Landmine clearance is incredibly expensive, labor-intensive, and inefficient. Due to high metal content of the soil in some parts of the world, metal detectors are rendered nearly worthless. In areas where detectors can be used, they often turn up war debris and are little help. Though mines cost only $3-$30 to produce and arm, finding and disarming them may cost up to $1,000. .

             Furthermore, minefields prevent humanitarian organizations from providing aid to those who may be in need; they restrict accessibility, and endanger those who do enter suspected mine zones. .

             Landmine casualties and injuries are devastating and unnecessary. Landmine victims require four times as much medical care as those suffering from other war-related injuries, perhaps because those 'other injuries" often kill. Treating a landmine victim costs $3,000-$5,000, a significant amount in developing countries. 2,000 people a month, about 25,000 people a year are maimed or killed by land mines.