UN Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the launch of a global campaign aimed at reinforcing mine action and humanitarian disarmament, following alarming moves by several countries to withdraw from the landmark Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
The initiative, unveiled in a statement on Monday, comes in response to recent announcements by five European nations, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, of their intention to exit or consider exiting the 1997 Ottawa Convention. The treaty, which bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, has been pivotal in reducing the global threat posed by these weapons.
“The Convention has led to a virtual halt in global production of anti-personnel mines and the destruction of over 40 million stockpiled mines,” noted the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). To date, 165 countries are parties to the treaty, with 133 having signed it.
Guterres expressed grave concern over the potential erosion of the treaty’s hard-won gains. “At a time when civilians face heightened risks from widening conflicts, it is imperative that we strengthen the frameworks that protect human life and dignity,” he said. “These announcements are particularly troubling, as they risk weakening civilian protection and undermining two decades of progress.”
The Secretary-General’s campaign, set to roll out over the next six months, will focus on upholding humanitarian disarmament norms, accelerating mine clearance efforts, and reinforcing global support for a mine-free world. It aims to galvanize public backing and encourage concrete actions by states to uphold international commitments.
Guterres also called on the 32 remaining countries yet to join the treaty, including China, Iran, Israel, Russia, and the United States, to accede without delay, and urged all states considering withdrawal to halt such steps immediately.
“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated,” he concluded. “The protection of innocent lives depends on our collective action and commitment.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
