Phnom Penh: The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction has expressed concern following the U.S.’s recent announcement regarding the potential transfer of anti-personnel mines to a State Party of the Convention.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Convention’s statement highlighted that this development is unprecedented in the 25-year history of the Mine Ban Treaty, posing a significant challenge to its integrity. The United States, which is not a member of the Convention, plans to transfer ‘non-persistent anti-personnel landmines,’ marking a significant shift from its longstanding anti-personnel landmine policy.
The Convention’s Article 1 explicitly prohibits State Parties from engaging in activities related to anti-personnel mines, including their use, production, and transfer. Article 2 defines an anti-personnel mine as one designed to explode due to a person’s presence, proximity, or contact, causing injury or
death. The Convention does not make exceptions based on the nature of the weapon, and any receipt of such mines by a State Party would violate the treaty.
Delegations at the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World have voiced concerns, emphasizing that the obligations of State Parties under the treaty remain unchanged, regardless of actions by non-signatories like the U.S. All member States are bound by the Convention’s conditions without exception.
Ukraine’s President has acknowledged the receipt of ‘essential mines,’ although the Ukrainian delegation at the Summit has yet to provide details. Despite ongoing conflict, Ukraine has reiterated its commitment to the Convention’s norms.
The Convention has fostered a strong global stance against these weapons, with even non-party States supporting UN resolutions for its implementation. Any actions undermining this norm are being addressed at the Summit, a crucial platform for reaffirming international humanitarian law principles.
The global community must
stay united in upholding the Convention’s values, focusing on compliance, mine clearance, victim assistance, and education. The enduring impact of landmines, resulting in civilian casualties and requiring significant resources for clearance, underscores the urgency for collective action.
Dr. Cornelio Sommaruga, a prominent advocate of the Convention, emphasized the ongoing challenges of mine clearance and victim support, warning against repeating past mistakes. His words resonate as the Convention continues its mission to eliminate the threat of landmines worldwide.