Ukraine Prez signs decree to withdraw ban on anti-personnel mines
In a move that has raised concerns about the safety of civilians, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines. The treaty, which has been joined by over 160 countries, aims to protect civilians from the scattered explosives that could still injure them after the end of a conflict.
The Ottawa Convention, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, was signed by 122 countries in 1997 and has since been ratified by 164 countries. The treaty bans the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines, as well as the deployment of such mines in areas where civilians could be affected.
Anti-personnel landmines are designed to cause harm to human beings, and they are often used in conflict zones to defend against enemy troops. However, these mines can remain active for decades, long after the conflict has ended, and can pose a significant risk to civilians who may accidentally trigger them.
The withdrawal of Ukraine from the Ottawa Convention is a significant setback for global efforts to ban the use of anti-personnel landmines. Ukraine is one of the largest users of landmines in the world, and its withdrawal from the treaty is likely to embolden other countries to reconsider their commitments to the treaty.
The decision to withdraw from the treaty has been met with widespread criticism from human rights organizations and international bodies. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed its deep concern about the decision, saying that it could lead to increased humanitarian harm and put civilians at risk.
“The use of anti-personnel landmines is a serious violation of humanitarian law and can cause long-term harm to civilians, including injuries, amputations, and even death,” said ICRC Director-General, Robert Mardini. “We urge Ukraine to reconsider its decision and to continue to work towards the universal ban on anti-personnel landmines.”
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), a coalition of non-governmental organizations, has also condemned the decision, saying that it is a step backwards for global efforts to ban the use of anti-personnel landmines.
“The Ottawa Convention is a critical treaty that has saved countless lives and limbs,” said ICBL Director, Elizabeth Longford. “We urge Ukraine to reconsider its decision and to continue to work towards a world free from the scourge of anti-personnel landmines.”
Ukraine’s decision to withdraw from the treaty is likely to be seen as a major blow to global efforts to ban the use of anti-personnel landmines. The country has been a major user of landmines in the past, and its withdrawal from the treaty is likely to embolden other countries to reconsider their commitments to the treaty.
The withdrawal of Ukraine from the treaty is also likely to have significant implications for the country’s relationships with other countries. Many countries, including the United States, European Union member states, and Canada, have been strong supporters of the Ottawa Convention and are likely to be disappointed by Ukraine’s decision.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines is a significant setback for global efforts to ban the use of these weapons. The treaty has been a critical instrument in reducing the harm caused by anti-personnel landmines, and its withdrawal is likely to put civilians at risk.
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