The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced a new worldwide campaign aimed at reinforcing global efforts toward disarmament and mine action, amid recent moves by some countries to withdraw from the landmark Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
The 1997 treaty, also known as the Ottawa Convention, prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. Since its adoption, it has been instrumental in drastically reducing the global deployment of these deadly weapons and facilitating the destruction of over 40 million stockpiled mines.
Currently, 165 countries are parties to the treaty, and 133 have signed it. However, in recent months, five European nations — Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland — have announced intentions or taken steps toward leaving the agreement, citing security concerns linked to regional tensions, particularly with Russia.
Secretary-General Guterres expressed serious concern over these developments without naming the countries directly. “At a time when civilians face heightened risks from expanding conflicts worldwide, it is crucial to uphold frameworks that safeguard human life and dignity,” he stated.
He warned that such withdrawals risk weakening civilian protections and undermining two decades of progress in establishing humanitarian norms that have saved countless lives. The Secretary-General appealed to all nations to abide by humanitarian disarmament treaties and to halt any actions that could lead to withdrawal.
Moreover, he urged the 32 countries that have yet to join the treaty — including China, Iran, Israel, Russia, and the United States — to accede without delay.
The Secretary-General’s newly launched campaign focuses on reaffirming the norms of humanitarian disarmament, accelerating mine action as a critical enabler of human rights and sustainable development, and advancing the vision of a mine-free world. Over the next six months, the initiative aims to galvanize public and governmental support, encouraging concrete actions to strengthen mine clearance efforts globally.
Landmines continue to pose a grave threat in many conflict-affected regions, including Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Chad, where survivors struggle with life-altering injuries and the ongoing risk of explosive remnants.
“Protecting innocent lives depends on our collective commitment and action,” Guterres emphasized, underscoring the urgent need for unified international cooperation to address the pervasive dangers posed by landmines.
As the campaign unfolds, the UN calls on governments, civil society, and the global community to join forces in eliminating these weapons and ensuring safer futures for millions worldwide.
