
Introduction
The devastating impact of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains a global crisis despite significant strides in mine action over the past decades. On the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the United Nations underscores the progress achieved in clearing affected areas and assisting victims while highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by communities in over 50 countries still contaminated by these deadly remnants of war.
Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action play a crucial role in addressing the persistent threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) around the globe. Celebrated annually on April 4th, the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action serves as a vital platform to raise awareness about the dangers posed by these devices and to advocate for continued support for mine action efforts. This day highlights the ongoing efforts to clear contaminated areas, provide life-saving assistance to victims, and promote global initiatives to prevent the use of landmines.
Through educational campaigns, fundraising, and policy advocacy, the international community is reminded of the urgent need to support mine action programs and uphold the principles of the Mine Ban Treaty. Despite significant progress, including the destruction of millions of stockpiled mines and extensive clearance operations, the day also underscores the persistent challenges faced by affected communities and the need for sustained commitment to eradicating the threat of landmines and ensuring the safety and recovery of survivors.
Historical Context and Progress
The problem of landmines and UXO dates back to World War I, but it became more pronounced in the latter half of the 20th century. The widespread use of landmines during conflicts in the 20th century left a legacy of devastation that continues to affect millions globally. The 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Convention, marked a pivotal moment in the fight against landmines. The treaty aimed to ban the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, and it has since led to the destruction of over 53 million landmines and significant progress in clearing contaminated land.
Prince Mired Bin Raad Al-Hussein of Jordan, the Special Envoy to the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, commended the achievements made under the treaty. He noted that while substantial progress has been made in clearing landmines and addressing the needs of survivors, challenges remain. “The rights and needs of mine victims are somewhat addressed,” he said, “although there is still much to do to ensure that we provide this assistance not as a matter of charity but as part of wider frameworks in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).”
The Ongoing Crisis
Despite the progress, landmines and UXO continue to pose a severe threat in many parts of the world. The current situation is exacerbated by new conflicts and the reemergence of old practices. For example, the use of anti-personnel mines by Russia in Ukraine and ongoing use in Myanmar highlights the persistent challenge. Alicia Victoria Arango Olmos, President of the Meeting of the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, expressed deep concern over these reports. She emphasized the importance of upholding the treaty’s principles and condemning the use of these weapons unequivocally.
Héctor Guerra, Director of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), echoed this sentiment. He pointed out that the new use of mines in Ukraine and Myanmar demonstrates that the achievements of the Mine Ban Treaty are not guaranteed and face setbacks. Guerra argued that the international community must remain vigilant and continue to condemn the use of landmines to protect civilians and uphold the norm established by the treaty.
The Human Cost
The human impact of landmines and UXO is profound and enduring. Giles Duley, a photographer and landmine survivor, shared his personal experience of the trauma caused by these weapons. Duley, who lost both legs and his left arm in an IED explosion in Afghanistan, spoke about his encounter with a young boy at an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) prosthetics fitting center. The boy, who had lost a limb to a landmine, represented the harsh reality faced by many survivors.
Duley’s story underscores the emotional and physical pain endured by victims. He emphasized that it is not enough to save lives; efforts must also focus on restoring the quality of life for survivors. “There is no point saving a life if we do not give somebody their life back,” Duley said, highlighting the need for comprehensive support for victims to help them rebuild their lives.
Challenges in Mine Action
The challenges in mine action are multifaceted. One of the significant obstacles is the ongoing conflict, which complicates efforts to clear contaminated areas and provide aid. The recent airstrikes in Mekele, Tigray, forced a UN humanitarian flight to turn back, demonstrating the difficulties faced in delivering assistance to affected regions. Gemma Connell from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted that approximately 7 million people in northern Ethiopia require humanitarian aid, including over 5 million in Tigray alone.
The conflict has displaced many people and exacerbated issues of malnutrition and lack of access to basic services. The logistical and security challenges of mine action are compounded by insufficient funding and political barriers. Humanitarian organizations struggle to secure the necessary resources to support their operations and assist victims. Moreover, gaining access to contaminated areas often requires navigating complex political and security landscapes.
The Path Forward
Addressing the global landmine crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Continued support for the Mine Ban Treaty and its implementation is crucial. Efforts must focus on further reducing the use of landmines, clearing contaminated areas, and providing comprehensive support to survivors. Increased funding and international cooperation are essential to overcoming the challenges faced in mine action.
The international community must also address the root causes of landmine use and work towards preventing new conflicts that lead to the deployment of these weapons. Promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development can help reduce the risk of future contamination and protect vulnerable communities.
Conclusion
While significant progress has been made in the fight against landmines and explosive remnants of war, the global situation remains precarious. The continued use of landmines in ongoing conflicts and the persistent challenges in mine action highlight the need for renewed commitment and action. The international community must work together to clear contaminated areas, support victims, and prevent the use of these devastating weapons to ensure a safer and more secure world for all.