The Fifth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty opens today in Bangkok:

5MSP Website

Don't yawn -- it's important.

It's a chance for all the countries involved in trying to rid the world of landmines to get together and discuss the progress being made. It also provides a platform where regions that are lagging behind in their obligations can be called to account.

I was commissioned by BBC News Online to write a piece giving a personal perspective on the conference. You can read it here.