Marshall Islands Becomes the 165th State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty

Geneva, 13 March - The Marshall Islands submitted its ratification of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty to the United Nations Secretary-General, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against landmines. The ratification comes nearly three decades after the Marshall Islands initially embraced the humanitarian principles of the convention by signing the treaty in December 1997. It was the last remaining country to have signed but not ratified the convention.

The deposit of the instrument of ratification, deposited on 12 March 2025, paves the way for the treaty to enter into force for the Pacific nation on 1 September 2025. On this date, the Marshall Islands will formally join the other 164 States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines.

The Marshall Islands country has long aligned itself with the principles of the convention, having never produced or stockpiled landmines and regularly affirming its commitment to the treaty's goals. Its ratification faced repeated delays, however, due to its interpretation of defense arrangements with the United States. The decision to ratify underscores the Marshall Islands' dedication to a mine-free world and the principles of international humanitarian law.

With ratification secured, the Marshall Islands now joins over 80% of the world’s countries that are committed to eradicating the devastating legacy of landmines.

"The Marshall Islands' decision strengthens the treaty's norms and sets a powerful example for other states in the Pacific region who are still outside the convention,"said Tamar Gabelnick, ICBL Director. "Even beyond the region, at a time when some states around the world are unfortunately reconsidering their commitment to the treaty, this ratification sends a powerful message about the enduring importance of this humanitarian agreement and should encourage all nations to strengthen rather than weaken their resolve against these indiscriminate weapons."