Anti-personnel mines are explosive devices designed to be detonated by the presence, proximity, or contact of a person. They are typically buried underground or concealed in the ground and are used in military conflicts to incapacitate or kill enemy soldiers. These mines can remain active for many years, posing a danger to civilians long after a conflict has ended. The use of anti-personnel mines is controversial due to their impact on civilian populations. Many countries have signed the Ottawa Treaty, which aims to eliminate the use of these mines globally. Despite this, some nations continue to produce and deploy them, leading to ongoing humanitarian concerns.