We strongly condemn Russia’s unlawful actions against Ukraine. They have resulted in devastating civilian suffering across the country. The suspension of Ukraine’s commitments under the Mine Ban Treaty however risks even more civilian harm and erodes the global norm against landmines.
Together with our partners, we have issued a joint statement. We underline that suspending these commitments is not compatible with the treaty and undermines the global norm against landmines.We call on all signatory states to speak out clearly against this step in Geneva. By doing so, we help protect a norm that saves lives worldwide.
Read the full statement below.
As civil society coalitions and organizations working to reduce the catastrophic impact of war through humanitarian disarmament, we are deeply alarmed by Ukraine’s decision to unlawfully suspend the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. Similar to the highly regrettable withdrawals by the Baltic States, Finland, and Poland, this step blatantly contradicts the treaty’s core humanitarian mission, which as set out in its preamble seeks “to put an end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines, that kill or maim hundreds of people every week, mostly innocent and defenceless civilians and especially children….”
Importantly, the treaty does not permit suspension of its obligations, including during times of conflict. Allowing this unilateral suspension sets a dangerous precedent that could weaken respect for any instrument of international humanitarian law during armed conflict in any part of the world. We urge all countries to make clear publicly and as part of the final report of the next Meeting of States Parties, scheduled for December 1-5, that suspension is not permitted under the treaty.
Ukraine’s decision not only undermines the Mine Ban Treaty’s humanitarian and lifesaving purposes; it jeopardizes nearly three decades of hard-won multilateral progress to protect civilians in conflict, achieved through the collective work of states, civil society, the United Nations, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. It also disregards the repeated pleas of mine victims and affected communities, who have consistently called on states to never return to these archaic and devastating weapons.
We condemn in the strongest terms the Russian Federation’s widescale and egregious disregard for the rules of international humanitarian law in its war against Ukraine. Russia’s actions have resulted in devastating civilian suffering across Ukraine. And it is civilians, especially children, who will pay the heaviest price for this suspension and withdrawals.
A frequently invoked justification for withdrawing from or suspending the Mine Ban Treaty is the claim of unprecedented geopolitical challenges. Yet, we have faced challenging times before, after which states responded not by dismantling norms, but by strengthening international humanitarian law and the rules-based order. It is therefore deeply troubling that some states are now choosing to weaken the very system created to protect humanity and promote peace.
It matters how wars are fought. It matters that humanitarian principles are respected. And it matters that the rules-based system endures.
The complete statement and a list of signees can be found on the Humanitarian Disarmement-website.
