ICBL Condemns Latvia’s Decision to Withdraw from the Mine Ban Treaty and Calls for Immediate Reversal
Press Release – For Immediate Release
Geneva, 17 April 2025 – The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) strongly condemns Latvia’s hasty and misguided decision to withdraw from the Mine Ban Treaty, following a vote in the Latvian Parliament on 16 April. This reckless step marks a serious setback to global humanitarian disarmament efforts and puts civilian lives at risk.
“Today, Latvia has officially joined the ranks of pariah states that flout humanitarian norms and disregard the protection of civilians,” said Tamar Gabelnick, Director of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. “It is incomprehensible and irresponsible of Latvia to claim to strengthen its defense by reintroducing indiscriminate, obsolete weapons that put civilians’—in particular children’s—lives and limbs at risk. By leaving the Mine Ban Treaty, Latvia is turning its back on 25 years of life-saving progress and aligning itself with the wrong side of history.”
ICBL members from around the world sent hundreds of email messages to Latvian lawmakers, urging them to keep their country in the Treaty. As a result, the ICBL was invited to present its views to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Latvian Parliament—unfortunately, just hours before the withdrawal decision was made. Despite these efforts, the Parliament appeared determined to proceed, regardless of the humanitarian consequences of this move.
All European Union countries are members of the Mine Ban Treaty. By withdrawing, Latvia is effectively standing apart from the EU consensus and aligning itself with regimes that take pride in weakening international humanitarian norms. As reported by the Landmine Monitor 2024, the only governments believed to use anti-personnel mines are Russia, Myanmar, North Korea, and Iran.
“Latvian lawmakers are under the illusion that they can reintroduce anti-personnel mines in compliance with international humanitarian law and use them as a deterrent against a potential Russian invasion. This belief is flawed,” said Zoran Ješić, ICBL activist from Bosnia, who lost a leg to a landmine and now leads an organization empowering landmine survivors and other persons with disabilities.
The Latvian vote follows an announcement made last month by the Ministers of Defense of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland recommending withdrawal from the Treaty, as well as a recent announcement by Finland of its intention to do the same. All of these states are expected to withdraw in a coordinated manner and timeframe, with Lithuania set to consider the withdrawal bill in Parliament in the coming days.
ICBL had previously warned against Latvia’s intentions in a public statement released on 19 March 2025, calling on the government to reconsider this dangerous course of action. That statement can be accessed here.
“We urge Latvia—and all states considering similar action—to see reason and immediately reconsider,” added Gabelnick. “Withdrawal from the Mine Ban Treaty is not the path to safety. Security must not be built at the expense of civilians’ lives. It is never too late to do the right thing.”
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Contact
Charles Bechara, Media & Communications Manager
International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)
Tel. +41 78 323 51 44
Email: media@icblcmc.org
