UN Chief Calls for Global Ban on Landmines

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has made a strong appeal for nations to abandon the use of landmines, coinciding with the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. He highlighted the devastating impact these weapons have on civilians, often leading to injuries and fatalities long after conflicts have ended. Guterres pointed out that more than 100 million people worldwide are currently at risk from landmines, with regions such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, Syria, and the occupied Palestinian territories being particularly affected.

In his address, Guterres urged all countries yet to do so to ratify and implement the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. He emphasized the importance of upholding the humanitarian principles embedded in these treaties, stating that such weapons indiscriminately kill civilians and obstruct essential humanitarian and developmental efforts.

Guterres also noted the perilous conditions faced by deminers who work to neutralize these explosive remnants of war. He remarked that, even after active hostilities cease, mines remain a lethal threat, hidden in fields, roads, and urban areas, jeopardizing the lives of innocent civilians and undermining community livelihoods.

According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), in their latest report for 2023, the number of landmine casualties has risen to over 5,700, an increase from 4,710 the previous year. The report reveals that at least 1,983 individuals were killed by landmines, with an additional 3,663 injured. Alarmingly, 84% of the victims were civilians. Myanmar recorded the highest number of casualties in 2023, with over 1,003 reported incidents, including at least 228 fatalities.

The situation in Myanmar has been exacerbated by the ongoing civil conflict following the military coup in 2021, which ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Meanwhile, Syria remains heavily affected, with at least 933 casualties reported due to landmine explosions last year. Afghanistan and Ukraine also faced significant challenges, with 651 and 580 casualties, respectively.

Concerns about landmine contamination in Ukraine have intensified, particularly due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. A recent report noted that Ukraine has become the most mine-affected country globally, highlighting the dangers posed to returning civilians and children. The increasing likelihood of landmine use has prompted some countries along NATO's eastern flank to consider withdrawing from international treaties banning such weapons, citing national security concerns.

Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has indicated plans to recommend withdrawal from the Ottawa and Dublin Conventions, which prohibit the use of anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions, respectively. Other Baltic states are contemplating similar moves. Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, is also re-evaluating its position regarding these treaties. In contrast, Austria has reaffirmed its commitment to a total ban on landmines, emphasizing the need for humanitarian assistance for victims and support for mine action initiatives.