Ukraine’s decision to suspend its commitment to the 1997 Mine Ban Convention has been met with widespread condemnation from five humanitarian disarmament coalitions and 77 civil society organizations. This action challenges the integrity of the Ottawa Convention, a treaty integral to preventing the use of anti-personnel mines globally. The civil society groups emphasize that the Convention does not permit the suspension of obligations, even during times of war. According to Article 20(3) of the Convention, any withdrawal process is complicated by ongoing armed conflict, which prevents the withdrawal from taking effect until hostilities cease.
The Ottawa Convention, since its inception, has played a crucial role in halting the production and deployment of anti-personnel mines, significantly reducing casualties. Human Rights Watch’s Mary Wareham pointed out that Ukraine’s move represents a symbolic gesture to gain political favor while undermining the Convention’s prohibition on mines. This could set a worrying precedent that weakens respect for international humanitarian law globally. More about the implications of this decision can be found here.
Concerns are not solely focused on Ukraine. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Poland have similarly withdrawn from the treaty. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed serious concern, noting the increased risk to civilians in overlapping conflicts, underscoring the need to bolster frameworks protecting human dignity. This sentiment echoes the concern that nearly three decades of progress in civilian protection could be at risk.
Amid these developments, the civil society organizations highlight the critical role the Convention has played in significantly reducing global casualties since its implementation. The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs highlighted that the treaty’s adoption led to a “virtual halt” in the production of such mines, emphasizing the humanitarian benefits derived over the past years.
Ukraine’s suspension and the withdrawal of neighboring states pose significant challenges to the continued efficacy of international humanitarian efforts, threatening the hard-won progress made through collective global endeavors to protect civilians during conflicts.