UN Chief Voices Alarm Over Mine Ban Withdrawals
(MENAFN) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep alarm Monday over a recent wave of countries pulling out from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
“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 stated, highlighting the serious implications of these withdrawals.
He called on all nations to "adhere to humanitarian disarmament treaties and immediately halt any steps towards their withdrawal," stressing the importance of global unity in maintaining these protections.
Addressing the 32 nations that have not yet joined the treaty, he urged them to “do so without delay and to fully commit to its objectives,” emphasizing the critical role these countries play in upholding international safety standards.
“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 noted, underscoring the urgency amid escalating global tensions.
In a move to counter these setbacks, Guterres revealed plans for a worldwide campaign to bolster humanitarian disarmament efforts and speed up mine clearance initiatives.
“To this end, I intend to launch a global campaign to uphold the norms of humanitarian disarmament, accelerate mine action as an enabler of human rights and sustainable development, and drive forward the vision of a mine-free world,” he announced.
This campaign, slated to roll out over the next six months, aims to “re-energize public support for disarmament” and motivate governments to make tangible progress in supporting these crucial humanitarian principles.
Guterres emphasized, “The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. The protection of innocent lives depends on our collective action and commitment.”
The treaty, often referred to as the Ottawa Treaty and established in 1997, prohibits the use, manufacture, transfer, stockpiling, and acquisition of anti-personnel landmines, serving as a cornerstone for civilian safety worldwide.
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