Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 1, 2025 Peace and security
The 22nd meeting of the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, or Ottawa Convention, opens in Geneva this week. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on states party to the treaty to reaffirm their commitment to a world free of these deadly weapons.
The meeting is taking place against the backdrop of serious challenges to the Ottawa Convention, a key international instrument for humanitarian disarmament. A number of recent events—including the withdrawal of individual countries from the treaty and declarations of suspension of obligations (which are not provided for in the document)—underscore the need to renew commitments and reaffirm the treaty's fundamental principles.
In a video message to the meeting participants, the Secretary-General expressed deep concern about the erosion of humanitarian norms aimed at protecting civilians from indiscriminate weapons. He called for both increased membership of the Convention and increased commitment among existing signatories.
The danger of anti-personnel mines remains
"Anti-personnel mines are among the most brutal and indiscriminate weapons. They continue to kill and maim people long after conflicts have ended. Four out of every five victims are civilians, often children," the UN chief noted.
Those injured by mines face long-term health consequences, as well as social isolation and financial hardship due to loss of ability to work. Contamination by these munitions hinders the delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as recovery and economic development efforts.
The need for a new impetus
Over the quarter-century of the Convention's operation, the number of casualties has dropped significantly, millions of stockpiled mines have been destroyed, vast areas have been cleared, and a number of countries have declared themselves "mine-free." Today, 166 states—more than three-quarters of the UN's members—are parties to the treaty. The recent accession of the Marshall Islands and Tonga confirms the relevance of the Convention's goals.
Through his campaign on humanitarian disarmament and mine action, led by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and the UN Mine Action Service, with the support of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action, the Secretary-General calls for urgent strengthening of international humanitarian law, the development of partnerships in this area, and ensuring that the commitments made by States bring real benefits to people.
The Twenty-Second Meeting of the Parties to the Convention provides an opportunity to reaffirm its goals and give new impetus to efforts to end the use of anti-personnel mines worldwide.
“We must reaffirm our commitment to protecting human lives, upholding international law, and restoring hope to communities still living with the threat of mines,” the UN Secretary-General stressed.
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