The US decision to provide landmines to Ukraine amidst the conflict with Russia has ignited global condemnation from signatories of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
At a Glance
- Global protest as landmine victims and treaty signatories denounce US decision to supply landmines to Ukraine.
- Provision of landmines challenges the integrity of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
- Washington’s actions raise questions about Ukraine’s treaty obligations.
- The conference in Cambodia highlights renewed calls for a commitment to eradicate landmines globally.
International Protest Against US Decision
Landmine victims and representatives from countries that are signatories to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention gathered in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to protest the United States’ recent decision to send landmines to Ukraine. Over 100 demonstrators displayed placards underscoring the dangers posed by these devices. Among the voices condemning this move was Alex Munyambabazi from Uganda, a landmine survivor, who expressed a fervent plea against further victimization, “We are tired. We don’t want to see any more victims like me, we don’t want to see any more suffering.”
Human rights advocates and treaty signatories are alarmed by Washington’s resolve to dispatch anti-personnel mines to Kyiv. This provision stands contrary to Ukraine’s existing commitments under the treaty and has been described as a major affront to the treaty’s principles. Despite being a party to the treaty, Ukraine regards these mines as crucial to repel Russian military advances, as reiterated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the mines ‘very important’ to halting Russian attacks.”
We condemn the decision by US President Joe Biden to transfer anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. These weapons are banned by 164 countries, including Ukraine, for their indiscriminate nature.
Read our statement here:https://t.co/Dv2RE9mn7d pic.twitter.com/VeF7wE0CdD
— Danish Refugee Council (@DRC_ngo) November 25, 2024
Challenges to the Convention’s Integrity
During the Siem Reap conference, which serves to evaluate progress towards eliminating landmines, delegates focused on Washington’s actions. “Washington’s decision to give anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is the biggest blow yet to a landmark anti-mine treaty, its signatories said during a meeting.”
Ukrainian officials participated in the conference but did not comment on the US agreement. Ukraine’s complex situation, due largely to ongoing territorial conflicts and mine clearance difficulties, was under scrutiny. Olga Riabtsev from Ukraine accused Russia of laying mines in Ukraine, characterizing these acts as aggressive and harmful. Despite its treaty ties, Ukraine’s receipt of US mines represents a precarious position between international obligations and pressing defense requirements.
I oppose the decision to send antipersonnel landmines to Ukraine. I want to help Ukraine in their defense against Russian aggression, but this is not the way. Landmines persist long after battle lines change and even after the conflict is over, posing decades of hazard to…
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) November 20, 2024
Future of the Anti-Mine Treaty
As discourse continues, signatories remain firmly united in their call to respect the treaty’s principles universally. “The Convention community must remain united in its resolve to uphold the Convention’s norms and principles.”
Looking ahead, it is crucial for Washington and Kyiv to address these concerns and work collaboratively to reinforce global efforts to eradicate landmines. The international community’s interest remains firm on resolving this contentious issue without further undermining the humanitarian disarmament efforts that are critical for global peace and security.
Sources:
Landmine Victims Gather To Protest US Decision To Supply Ukraine
Anti-mine treaty signatories slam US decision to send landmines to Ukraine
Anti-mine treaty signatories slam US decision to send landmines to Ukraine
