If the American decision is followed by other countries, we run the risk of seeing these ‘cowardly weapons’ reappear on the battlefields, which would be a terrifying step backwards for the protection of civilians. This was the message conveyed by landmine survivors at the conference, who called on governments to assume their responsibilities. In the same vein, Handicap International / Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is urgently calling on all governments not to remain silent in the face of these alarming developments and to adopt a firm stance in defence of this vital standard.
“We strongly condemn the reported decision by the Biden administration to transfer antipersonnel landmines to Ukraine, as highlighted by The Washington Post. This decision directly contradicts U.S. policy on landmines, reaffirmed under President Biden's leadership, which prohibits the export or transfer of antipersonnel landmines except in specific cases, such as for mine detection, removal, or destruction. The decision undermines the credibility of U.S. commitments and sets a dangerous precedent that could weaken global efforts to eliminate the use of landmines. The use of landmines in Ukraine has already left a devastating legacy of human suffering, hindered post-conflict recovery, and endangered future generations. We urge Ukraine to consider the profound human and moral costs associated with landmines and to uphold principles that prioritize the protection of civilians during armed conflict. As the 5th Review Conference on the Mine Ban Treaty convenes on November 25 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, we call on the 164 state parties to the Mine Ban Treaty to strongly condemn this decision, which risks eroding the treaty’s integrity. Failure to act not only undermines the treaty’s authority but also emboldens other states to disregard or violate its provisions. We must urgently rally all state parties to take a firm stand, defend this vital norm, and refuse to remain silent in the face of this alarming development.”
Alma Taslidžan, HI’s Disarmament and Protection of Civilians Advocacy Manager
