The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) applauds the significant steps taken during the 5th Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty to uphold the treaty and its norms, despite the challenging global landscape and concerning developments in recent weeks.
The Siem Reap-Angkor Declaration and the accompanying Action Plan adopted by the Conference provide a solid roadmap for the treaty for the next five years, charting a course towards a mine-free world. Notably, the Action Plan contained an agreement to explore the creation of a voluntary trust fund aimed at supporting affected countries who in the past have received little funding and who could become mine-free in a relatively short time if adequately supported.
States gathered in Siem Reap agreed there was also need to devote more attention to risk education in the years ahead, considering the continuing high level of casualties. These measures underline the collective resolve to uphold the treaty’s norms and address the devastating impact of landmines with greater urgency and determination.
While the devastating announcement of a transfer of antipersonnel mines by the United States to Ukraine overshadowed the Conference, the ICBL welcomed the strong response from States Parties and other partners during their statements and in the final documents, expressing their concern over this alarming development and calling for upholding the treaty. In particular, delegates reaffirmed unequivocally that antipersonnel mines were banned precisely because of their indiscriminate nature and devastating humanitarian and socioeconomic consequences. Others recalled that when the Treaty was adopted, it was made absolutely clear that no exceptions could be permitted – including for so-called “smart” antipersonnel mines that the US is planning to send to Ukraine. Ultimately, the message from the international community remains unchanged: all antipersonnel mines are prohibited and use of these weapons by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances is unacceptable and illegal.
The ICBL welcomed Ukraine’s commitment to convey to its capital the serious concerns voiced by ICBL, several states, and others during the Conference regarding the U.S. transfer of antipersonnel mines. While recognizing Ukraine’s right to self-defense and acknowledging the horrific circumstances facing its people, the ICBL strongly urged Ukraine to uphold its treaty obligations by rejecting these weapons. The ICBL also called on the United States to reverse its decision to transfer antipersonnel mines, as these indiscriminate weapons have already caused devastating harm to countless civilians around the world, including in Ukraine from massive Russian use.
The active presence of landmine survivors and advocates was a defining feature of the conference. Their ‘Silent Protest’ against the use and transfer of landmines, held on the morning of 26 November, along with sustained mobilization throughout the week, underscored the role of survivors and civil society in creating and preserving the treaty over 25 years. ICBL campaigners’ engagement captured significant attention both in the conference hallways and beyond, highlighting the pressing challenges faced by the Mine Ban Treaty this week and rallying robust responses to address these.
“The powerful testimonies shared by survivors during the week reminded everyone of the devastating human toll of landmines and reinforced the urgent need for full compliance with the treaty”, said Tamar Gabelnick, ICBL Director.
While this Conference has demonstrated the enduring strength of our collective dedication to a mine-free world, significant challenges lie ahead. The ICBL calls on all stakeholders to fully implement the commitments outlined in the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan, and to fully respect their treaty obligations. The prohibition against antipersonnel mines must remain absolute – no actor, under any circumstances, is allowed to use or facilitate the use of these indiscriminate weapons.
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PHOTO: ICBL