Amidst current challenges regarding the transfer of anti-personnel mines from the U.S. to Ukraine and Finland’s growing consideration of withdrawing from the Convention, States Parties have agreed on a Renewed Commitment for a Safer Future, upholding their commitment to the Convention. Among the key highlights, the Conference welcomed Tonga’s announcement on its intention to join the Convention, and extension requests for clearance deadlines were approved. Concrete progress was also made in the proposal for a Completion Fund to support States with legacy contamination, and a new 5-year Action Plan, developed with significant contributions from HI over several months, was adopted with focus on funding and risk education.
Promoting and strengthening the norm: a strong call from civil society organisations and other participants
On the eve of the Conference, a march for a mine-free world was organised by the Cambodian government, in the ancient surroundings of Angkor Vat. Over 3 thousand participants came together, including diplomats, campaigners, Cambodian students, deminers, health workers, survivors, and soldiers. HI marched along young Cambodian mine-survivor Srey Nang (read the LinkedIn post here).
On the second day of the Conference, ICBL campaigners, including survivors from different regions in the world, organised a stunt in front of the conference building - reacting to the announced U.S. transfers of anti-personnel mines. Delegates were welcomed with slogans in different languages – conveying one clear message: "Antipersonnel mines are banned without exception!" and reminding them of the harmful impact on civilian lives.
A new threat: the transfer of anti-personnel mines from U.S. to Ukraine
While not explicitly reflected in the outcome document, Ukraine, a State party, requesting and accepting the transfer of antipersonnel mines from the U.S. was a key issue, prominently discussed during the plenary sessions on compliance.
Some states (i.a. Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, Norway, Mexico) expressed their concerns, through individual statements as well as with a joint statement on behalf of 25 countries. Some states called on Ukraine to reconsider the use of antipersonnel mines or advocated for a strong document that would safeguard the Convention and more actively address the issue of transfers.
However, other states (i.a. UK, Canada) sought to alter the political declaration of the Conference to suggest that certain exceptional situations might justify the use of antipersonnel mines. In this regard, the effective coordination of ICBL members was vital in opposing exceptions and securing strong language in the final outcome documents.
The Conference was thus an important moment to reaffirm the urgent need to ban any use of such indiscriminating weapons, by any actor and under any circumstances, and to advance efforts toward a mine-free world, particularly as conflicts are rising around the world.
HI presence at the Conference
A delegation from Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion (HI) took part in panels and organized important side events. These included the presentation of the 2024 Landmine Monitor report and the support of an ICBL side event giving voices to survivors' experiences. HI co-hosted side events on national ownership, as well as on Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), with several actors: GICHD, Germany, HALO Trust, and Colombia. HI also participated in a panel on Mine Action in Humanitarian Relief Contexts, co-organized with UNMAS, DRC and the Sudanese Mine Action Centre.
