When: Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Where: On Zoom
Time: 10-11:30 am
MC: Dr. Chris Kilford

To register click here: Reports from the Field Webinar Registration – Zoom

The global rules-based international order is facing many challenges. The 1997 Ottawa Treaty banning landmines is under threat. For reasons having to do with the war in Ukraine, several countries are withdrawing from the Treaty. However, around the world, the next generation is stepping up to finish the job of ridding the world from the scourge of landmines and the devastation they create. Join CIC Victoria and Mines Action Canada to learn more about the current state of the Ottawa Treaty and also meet three inspiring young women who are working hard to turn the promise of the Ottawa Treaty into reality despite conflict, aid cuts and shifting geopolitics.

Our speakers:

Erin Hunt is the Executive Director of Mines Action Canada. She has been carrying out public education on the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines since 2003 and working in humanitarian disarmament in various capacities since 2006. Erin’s areas of expertise include the humanitarian impact of indiscriminate weapons, victim assistance, gender in disarmament and Canadian disarmament policy. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Victoria and a Masters Degree in Human Security and Peacebuilding from Royal Roads University.

Zainab Ajimi Badu is a humanitarian professional from Nigeria with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education from the University of Maiduguri. She has over nine years of experience in Humanitarian Disarmament and Peace building, with a focus on Humanitarian Mine Action and specialization in Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and Non-Technical Survey in Northeast Nigeria. She has also worked with the Danish Refugee Council and the United Nations Mine Action Service in various capacities, including as a EORE Facilitator, Community Liaison Officer and Humanitarian Mine Action Officer. Zainab is also a Mine Action Fellow in Nigeria and co-founder of the Nigerian Campaign to Ban Landmines.

Rahila Poya is a humanitarian and development professional with over four years of experience in the areas of victim assistance, child protection, women’s empowerment, and support for persons with disabilities in Afghanistan. She has been actively involved in coordinating and implementing programs that promote social inclusion, physical rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and awareness on human rights and disability rights. Through her current role as Admin Officer and Gender Focal Point at the Development and Ability Organization (DAO), she continues to advocate for the empowerment and resilience of survivors and vulnerable communities across different provinces in Afghanistan.

Batool Albakouni is a Syrian activist specializing in mine action and humanitarian disarmament. She has worked in Syria with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and several organizations involved in development and mine clearance. Batool holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Damascus University and is currently based in New York. Her work also extends to advancing women’s empowerment, gender equality, and youth engagement, with a strong commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable post-conflict recovery. She is currently part of the Mine Action Fellows Program with Mines Action Canada.