Reversal of Progress: Countries Withdraw from Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention

In the past three decades, the Ottawa Convention, also known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, has seen significant progress in reducing the use of anti-personnel mines. However, recent trends indicate a reversal of this progress, with the number of civilians killed and injured by mines increasing by 22 percent in 2024. Despite the Convention having 166 States parties, with 60 countries still under the threat of landmines, some countries are withdrawing from the treaty, citing national security concerns.

Key Takeaways:

• In recent years, the number of civilians killed and injured by mines has increased by 22 percent, with 85 percent of casualties being civilians and half of them being children.
• Despite progress, approximately 100 million people across 60 countries still live under the threat of landmines.
• The UN Mine Action Service estimates that more than 20 percent of Ukraine's land is contaminated, amounting to 139,000 square kilometers.
• Landmines remain a significant threat in countries such as Cambodia, decades after the end of the conflict and years of demining efforts.
• Volker Tèrk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called on all parties to the Ottawa Convention to uphold their international legal obligations regarding anti-personnel mines.
• Mr. Tèrk also urged non-signatories to join the Convention, emphasizing the need to refrain from leaving any international humanitarian law treaty.

Statistics:

• 22 percent increase in civilians killed and injured by mines in 2024.
• 85 percent of mine casualties are civilians.
• 50 percent of mine casualties are children.
• 100 million people across 60 countries still live under the threat of landmines.
• 166 States party to the Ottawa Convention.
• 139,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian land contaminated with landmines.
• 20 percent of Ukraine's land contaminated with landmines.

Sources:

• United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
• UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
• Ottawa Convention
• Contify.com
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