The Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines

April 7, 2025

Due to increasing threat from Russia, NATO countries Poland, Finland, and the three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) are planning to leave the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel landmines. This international agreement aims to prohibit the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines.

Background

The Ottawa Convention, also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, was concluded during a diplomatic conference in Oslo on 18 September 1997. It was opened for signature in Ottawa from 3 to 4 December 1997 and later at the United Nations Headquarters. The treaty came into force on 1 March 1999. Its aim is to eliminate the humanitarian crisis caused by anti-personnel mines, which are designed to detonate when triggered by unsuspecting individuals. Under the Convention, countries were required to destroy their landmine stockpiles within four years. However, compliance has varied. Russia, USA, China, India, and Israel have never signed this treaty.

Historical Impact

Since its inception, the Convention has led to a near cessation of global production of anti-personnel mines. Over 40 million stockpiled mines have been destroyed. Countries have reported drop in mine deployment. This has resulted in fewer casualties, with a notable increase in national capacities to manage mine action programmes.

Victim Assistance and Rehabilitation

The Convention includes provisions for assisting victims of landmines. Many survivors suffer from permanent disabilities, often losing limbs. The treaty has encourageed a broader understanding of victim assistance within the context of disability rights. Improved risk-reduction tools have also been developed to aid affected communities.

Recent Challenges and Withdrawals

Recent geopolitical tensions have led several NATO members to announce plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention. These nations cite growing military threats from Russia as a primary reason. By exiting the treaty, NATO countries want to match Russia’s military options. Their withdrawal could reverse decades of progress in banning anti-personnel mines. Countries that exit the treaty may resume production and use of these weapons. Norway is the only European country bordering Russia not leaving the treaty. It wants to maintain the global stigma against landmines.

Funding and Global Demining Efforts

The US had been the largest funder of demining (about $300 million/year). But under Trump, funding was cut, affecting global efforts. In March 2024, the US said it had partially restarted some programs, but details were not given.

Civilian Victims and Global Statistics

Anti-personnel mines disproportionately affect civilians. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, over 80% of mine victims are non-combatants. As of October 2024, Ukraine has become the most mined country globally, with thousands of civilian casualties reported. The ongoing conflict has intensified the need for urgent demining efforts.

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