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Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention

Explosive weapons Prevention Protect vulnerable populations Rights
International

According to this morning’s statement, the defense ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are recommending withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines.

a little girl stands in front of a barrier fence. on the fence hangs a sign with a skull and crossbones and the words: DANGER MINES

© Brice Blondel / HI

By making this decision, these countries are sending a clear message: civilians are expendable.

This is the signal that overwhelming civilian casualties can be justified, and an invitation for others to follow suit. This is a blatant disregard for human suffering.

While we acknowledge that in the current unstable international context, security concerns of Eastern European states may be justified, decades of efforts against landmines and cluster munitions have shown that lasting security cannot be built on weapons that kill indiscriminately, remain in the ground long after conflicts end, and continue to maim civilians and destroy livelihoods.

Landmines and cluster munitions do not simply defend borders—they turn them into death traps. They do not protect populations; they endanger them for generations.

Any state that considers landmines or cluster munitions as part of its defense strategy is not protecting its people or the borders it claims to defend. It is condemning civilians—its own and others—to death, suffering, and decades of devastation.

HI unequivocally condemns this recommendation and demands that all States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty take urgent and resolute action to prevent a devastating erosion of civilian protection. It is not too late for Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to reverse course and defend their nations through means that do not endanger civilians for generations to come. 

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HI certified as a “Specialised Emergency Rehabilitation” Team by the WHO
© B. Blondel / HI
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HI is certified by the World Health Organisation for its expertise in emergency rehabilitation.

In more than a third of countries worldwide, civilians are victims of explosive weapons
© HI
Explosive weapons Protect vulnerable populations Rights

In more than a third of countries worldwide, civilians are victims of explosive weapons

The annual report of the Explosive Weapons Monitor reveals that civilians in 74 countries are affected by bombing and shelling. Civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure are increasing as armed conflicts and geopolitical tensions rise, at the expense of international humanitarian law. 

The Ottawa Treaty is crucially important to reinforcing Canada’s resolve and protecting civilian lives
© A.Eggerstorfer / HI
Explosive weapons Prevention Protect vulnerable populations Rights

The Ottawa Treaty is crucially important to reinforcing Canada’s resolve and protecting civilian lives

The looming threat of Russia has led to five Eastern European members announcing they will withdraw from the Mine Ban Treaty in the last months, marking the first time any country has left the agreement and prompting concerns about its future.