UN urges adherence to mine ban treaty
UN Calls for Global Commitment to Mine Ban Treaty
UN urges adherence to mine ban treaty – The United Nations has issued a strong appeal for nations to adhere to the Mine Ban Treaty, a critical international agreement aimed at eliminating the use of anti-personnel landmines. In its latest report, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by these explosive weapons, which continue to harm civilians long after conflicts have ended. The message underscores the urgency for global compliance, as millions of lives are still at risk from unexploded ordnance that lingers in war-torn regions.
The Human Toll of Landmines
Landmines remain a persistent threat, with at least 58 countries still affected by their presence. These weapons, which detonate upon contact, have been used in conflicts dating back to World War I, and their remnants continue to cause casualties decades after deployment. According to the latest data, 1,945 people were killed and 4,325 injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war in 2024. The report identifies regions such as Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Mali, Yemen, and Burkina Faso as hotspots of mine-related casualties, emphasizing the widespread and long-term impact of these weapons.
“It is deeply troubling that almost 30 years since the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty was adopted, these explosive weapons still cause deaths and injuries, often decades after being deployed,” said Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Türk called for a renewed global effort to end the production, use, and distribution of anti-personnel mines, stressing the importance of recommitting to the treaty’s goals. The report notes that these weapons violate multiple human rights, including the right to life, security, and freedom from torture. They also hinder access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, particularly for vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas.
Challenges in Treaty Implementation
Despite the treaty’s significance, its implementation faces hurdles. While 162 states have joined the Ottawa Convention, several major nations—such as the United States, Russia, and China—have yet to ratify it. Recently, five European countries—Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland—retracted their support, raising concerns about the treaty’s global reach. Meanwhile, Ukraine, a signatory, has paused its adherence to the treaty, citing security needs. This has sparked debates about the balance between immediate defense and long-term humanitarian goals.
Türk urged these countries to “promptly ratify the treaty” and “rejoin quickly” if they have withdrawn. He also emphasized the need for signatories to uphold the treaty’s provisions in good faith. The report praised Lebanon for joining the convention despite facing security challenges, demonstrating the commitment of some nations to prioritize civilian safety. Additionally, the UN highlighted the importance of reparations for victims and the provision of essential services to affected communities.
Civilians account for nearly 90% of all recorded casualties from landmines, with children making up over 40% of those impacted since 1999. The younger the victim, the higher the fatality rate, as children are more likely to encounter mines while playing or exploring their surroundings. Mine-affected areas also create restricted zones, disrupting access to critical resources and displacing communities. In some regions, farmland contaminated by mines threatens food security, exacerbating poverty and limiting economic growth.
Global Collaboration and Future Steps
As the UN prepares to present its findings to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 26 June, it has reiterated the need for stronger international cooperation to address the mine crisis. The report calls on states to not only adhere to the treaty but also to invest in mine detection technologies, demining operations, and victim assistance programs. These measures are essential for reducing the long-term consequences of landmine use, which extend far beyond the immediate conflict zones.
Non-state actors, including armed groups and terrorist organizations, continue to deploy anti-personnel mines, complicating efforts to achieve global adherence. The UN’s message aligns with its broader mission to promote human rights and peace, urging all nations to take responsibility for the legacy of their military actions. By rejoining the mine ban treaty, countries can demonstrate their dedication to protecting civilians and fostering sustainable development in post-conflict societies.
With the continued presence of landmines in conflict-affected regions, the UN emphasizes that adherence to the treaty is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. The organization has called for a unified global response, urging governments to prioritize the safety of their populations and the long-term benefits of mine-free zones. As the report is submitted to the Human Rights Council, it serves as a reminder of the stakes involved in this critical issue and the need for sustained international action.