NEW YORK — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has announced a global campaign to protect and strengthen international efforts against landmines, just as a group of European nations signal plans to withdraw from a key disarmament treaty.
Guterres issued a formal statement on Monday in response to moves by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to step back from the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. The treaty bans the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. It has been signed by 133 states and ratified by 165.
“These announcements are particularly troubling, as it risks weakening civilian protection and undermining two decades of a normative framework that has saved countless lives,” Guterres said.
The five European countries have not yet formally exited the convention but have taken steps toward doing so, citing security concerns tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Guterres did not mention any country by name but expressed deep concern over what he called a serious threat to civilian safety.
“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.
According to the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Ottawa Convention has led to the destruction of over 40 million stockpiled landmines and halted their production in most parts of the world.
Guterres’ campaign will focus on reaffirming global norms against landmines, accelerating mine clearance, and promoting the treaty’s role in advancing human rights and sustainable development. He emphasized that the next six months will be critical in rallying support.
“This campaign will re-energize public backing for disarmament and push for tangible action by governments,” Guterres said. “The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. The protection of innocent lives depends on our collective action and commitment.”
In his appeal, Guterres urged the 32 countries that have not yet joined the treaty including China, Iran, Israel, Russia, and the United States to sign and ratify it without delay.
The global landmine ban is considered a cornerstone of humanitarian disarmament. Experts say any erosion of the treaty’s support could reverse years of progress and increase risks for civilians, especially in conflict zones where mines remain a lethal threat long after fighting ends.
A recent file photo from Kharkiv, Ukraine, shows a 16-year-old boy standing on crutches after losing his leg in a landmine explosion. His story mirrors thousands of victims worldwide people maimed or killed by explosive remnants of war in fields, roads, and villages.
Guterres concluded his remarks with a firm reminder: “We must act now to prevent new tragedies and honor the progress the world has made. Human lives are at stake.”.
