In 1997, many countries came together to pledge $500 million over five years to 'mine action' programmes to tackle the destruction caused by landmines.

Is the world a safer place as a result of the ban? Has international mine action been a success? What lessons have been learnt along the way? What are the challenges for the future? In short, what is the true extent of Princess Diana's legacy?

Stuart Maslen assesses the effectiveness of mine awareness, mine clearance operations, victim assistance, international law and stockpile destruction. He outlines the global threat that mines present and the evolution of the mine action programme worldwide.