With these words, Anne Héry, Advocacy Director of Handicap International, launches a global campaign to denounce the massive use of mines in recent conflicts. The organization also intends to raise awareness about the shift taken by several states, including in Europe, considering restarting the production of these weapons.
On the occasion of the UN International Day for Mine Awareness on Saturday, April 4, Handicap International wanted to make a statement by symbolically breaking apart its Nobel Peace Prize, received in 1997 after five years of advocacy within the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which led to the adoption of the Ottawa Treaty.
This convention prohibits the use, development, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. The convention currently has 161 state parties, but some non-signatory countries like Russia use mines extensively, leading to five EU member states – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Poland – to withdraw from the treaty.
According to Handicap International, these withdrawals by neighboring countries of Russia, although driven by security concerns, weaken a universal norm and risk creating a domino effect. Anne Héry, the organization’s representative, urges France to fully embrace its role as a committed state party by prioritizing the defense of the Ottawa Treaty.
She emphasizes the importance of France combating new withdrawals, discouraging further use or production of anti-personnel mines in Europe, and reaffirming humanitarian red lines. Paris ratified the Ottawa Treaty in 1998 and completed the destruction of French anti-personnel mine stocks by 2008.
Amidst the conflict in Ukraine, where there are reports of increasing use of mines, Handicap International raises concerns over the military efficiency of mines and the significant cost of mine clearance compared to production. The organization stresses the humanitarian perspective in urging countries to adhere to the Ottawa Treaty and refrain from using weapons that indiscriminately harm civilians.
Furthermore, as Ukraine faces challenges in defending its population amidst the conflict, the country’s decision to suspend its obligations under the Ottawa Treaty is defended by Ukrainian officials as a necessary measure. The focus remains on minimizing harm to civilians and protecting Ukrainian citizens amidst the ongoing conflict.
Handicap International notes a reduction in mine casualties over the years due to the Ottawa Treaty’s impact but highlights a recent increase in civilian victims. The organization calls for continued efforts to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law amidst armed conflicts.
