The Resurgence of Landmines: 5 NATO Countries Taking a Harsh Decision

International News : The global community is facing a disturbing trend as five NATO countries - Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland - consider abandoning the Ottawa Treaty, a landmark agreement banning the use of landmines. This move has sparked concern among experts, who warn that it could undermine efforts to rid the world of these deadly explosives.

The Devastating Impact of Landmines

Landmines have long been recognized as a threat to global safety, causing thousands of casualties worldwide. In 2023 alone, there were 5,757 reported casualties, with 3,331 injuries and 2,426 deaths. Civilians account for 84% of these casualties, with children making up one-third of the victims.

Countries Affected by Landmines

- Angola: 67.43 km² of contaminated land across 936 areas in 16 provinces, with Cuando Cubango and Moxico being the most affected.

- Azerbaijan: 11,667 km² of land contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war, primarily in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

- Cambodia: 435.06 km² of contaminated land, mainly along its border with Thailand.

- Ukraine: Severe contamination across vast areas, with at least 13 types of antipersonnel mines identified.

- Zimbabwe: Approximately 16.16 km² of confirmed hazardous areas, primarily along its border with Mozambique.

Challenges in Eradicating Landmines

- Funding Cuts: The US, a major funder of mine action, has cut foreign aid, jeopardizing long-term funding and leaving thousands of trained deminers sidelined.

- Lack of Progress: Many countries are struggling to meet their mine clearance deadlines, with some requesting extensions due to financial shortfalls and challenging terrain.

- Persistent Threat: Landmines can linger for decades after conflicts, posing a hidden threat to communities and hindering economic development.

Global Efforts to Ban Landmines

The international community is coming together to address the challenges posed by landmines. The UN Mine Action Service and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining are working to boost efforts to rid the world of landmines. However, the recent decision by five NATO countries to quit the Ottawa Treaty has raised concerns about the effectiveness of these efforts.