As World Gathers to Secure a Mine-Free Future, Nobel-Winning NGO Condemns Proposed US Landmine Transfer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2024
As World Gathers to Secure a Mine-Free Future, Nobel-Winning NGO Condemns Proposed US Landmine Transfer
Siem Reap, Cambodia – As the fifth Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty opens in Cambodia, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) is outraged by the United States plans to transfer banned anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. The reported transfer poses a significant threat to global efforts to eradicate landmines, a weapon that has proved to predominantly kill and injure civilians, of which the majority are innocent children.
“Anti-personnel mines have no place in this world.This transfer will leave a deadly legacy for Ukrainian civilians for generations to come. It is profoundly disturbing that the United States would knowingly provide a weapon that Ukraine is forbidden to use under international law,” said Tamar Gabelnick, Director of ICBL.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization is adamant that there can be no exceptions to the ban on anti-personnel mines, irrespective of their type or the circumstances of their use. Additionally, ICBL is particularly alarmed by recent attempts to justify mine use by Ukraine, a State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty.
“Any permissive statements about Ukraine’s possible use of anti-personnel mines are inexcusable,” Ms. Gabelnick emphasized. “The Ukrainian people need an end to this atrocious war, not a weapon that will prolong their suffering long after the conflict ends.”
This US transfer not only contradicts the Biden administration’s own policy, which prohibits landmine transfers except for specific purposes such as detection and removal, but it also marks the first transfer of landmines by the US since 1992.
Throughout the conference, the global civil society mine ban movement will hold public actions at the Review Conference venue to protest this shocking decision. These demonstrations will highlight the urgent need for all states to uphold the treaty’s core principles and underscore the devastating consequences of landmines.
ICBL calls on the United States to reverse its plans to transfer anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, and on the Ukrainian government to honor its obligations under international law and reject this deadly gift. At a time when the international community is tirelessly working toward a mine-free future, this proposed transfer marks a dangerous step backward in efforts to eradicate landmines and support affected communities.
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About ICBL
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines is a global network of non-governmental organizations working to eliminate antipersonnel landmines. ICBL was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for its efforts to bring about the Mine Ban Treaty. Our network includes human rights, humanitarian, children, peace, disability, veterans, medical, mine action, development, arms control, religious, environmental, and women's groups.
For more information
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www.the-monitor.org/reports/landmine-monitor-2024
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Charles Bechara, ICBL-CMC Communications and Media Manager (English, French, Arabic)
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