ICBL Condemns U.S. Landmine Transfer Plans

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) is closely monitoring critical developments regarding the United States’ plans to transfer antipersonnel landmines to Ukraine. We strongly condemn this decision, as outlined in our full statement?here. Additionally, campaign members, including the?US Campaign to Ban Landmines, Human Rights Watch,?Humanity & Inclusion,?Mines Action Canada and?Norwegian People’s aid?have also issued statements strongly condemning this alarming development.

The US decision marks a pivotal moment in the global fight against landmines. If executed, this transfer would represent the first US shipment of antipersonnel landmines since 1992—a dangerous reversal of international humanitarian progress. The stakes are especially high for Ukraine, which, as a State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty since 2006, would be violating its international legal obligations by accepting and deploying these weapons.?

But this issue extends beyond legal concerns—it’s about averting a humanitarian disaster. The devastating reality of landmines is undeniable. Though the target might be soldiers, the actual victims will end up being civilians as per the recently launched?Landmine Monitor 2024 Report, which reposted that 84% of landmine casualties last year were civilians, with over one-third of victims being children.

As of 25 November 2024, representatives from 164 States Parties are convening at the Fifth Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The ICBL expects a strong international condemnation of this proposed transfer to unequivocally affirm that the use of landmines is unacceptable by any actor, under any circumstances.