The treaty is open for signature as of December 3, 1997. Canada, Norway, and South Africa are already destroying their landmines A unique feature of the treaty is individual responsibility. If an individual learns of a violation of the treaty, that person is held responsible to report it under national law. Also, the treaty is not subject to reservations. All treaties have an opt-out clause, including this one, Wurst explained.
Signatories can opt out six months after a country asks to withdraw.
However, a country cannot withdraw if it is involved in a conflict until it becomes settled, i.e. APLs cannot be laid during war. Thus, the humanitarian takes precedence over the military. The United Nations Secretary General is the repository of the treaty, and responsible for clarification of compliance. If a state says that another state is in violation of the treaty then the Secretary general needs to investigate. Wurst speculated that a special commission along the lines of the one investigating Iraq would be called in such an instance.