In a deeply concerning move, five NATO members—Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland—have announced plans to exit the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, a global agreement banning the use of anti-personnel landmines. The countries cite growing threats from Russia as the primary reason behind this decision.
“A Dangerous Setback,” Say Experts
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called this a “dangerous setback for the protection of civilians in armed conflict.” The Ottawa Treaty has long been regarded as a key milestone in disarmament efforts, leading to a reduction in landmine-related deaths from 25,000 to 5,800 per year.
Tobias Privitelli, head of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), said that this step threatens progress made over decades. He warned that the upcoming three-day UN meeting in Geneva will now take place in a “challenging environment.”
Landmines Still a Global Threat
According to the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), around 60 countries or territories—such as Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and Syria—are still grappling with landmine threats, with millions of civilians impacted daily.
James Staples, UNMAS’s head of policy and advocacy, added that 85% of explosive ordnance victims are civilians, with more than half being children. The legacy of conflict often leaves landmines behind long after peace returns, posing hidden threats for decades.
US Funding Cuts Worsen Situation
The situation is further strained by significant U.S. funding cuts to global demining programs. Though not a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty, the United States had contributed over $300 million annually, nearly 40% of all global support.
“The funding they’ve provided has saved lives and made a massive difference,” Staples emphasized. But long-term financial uncertainty has left thousands of trained deminers without work, risking a loss of hard-earned momentum in mine-clearing efforts.
What Lies Ahead?
With the Geneva summit underway, experts hope renewed dialogue can restore international commitment to protecting civilians. However, with rising geopolitical tensions and declining support, the road ahead remains uncertain.
