Treaties & Agreements Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty)

GS2 – International Relations

Poland, Finland, and the Baltic nations (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) have announced intentions to exit the Ottawa Convention.

About 

• Also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, it is an international disarmament agreement that prohibits the use, development, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.
• The treaty was adopted in December 1997 and entered into force in March 1999.

Purpose:

The primary goal of the convention is to address the enduring humanitarian impact of landmines and support recovery efforts in conflict-affected areas.

Nature of Anti-personnel Mines:

• These mines are designed to explode on contact or close proximity, often hidden underground.
• According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, more than 80% of their victims are civilians, many of whom suffer from amputations and permanent injuries.

Key Provisions:

• Obligations under the treaty include:
  • Clearing minefields
  • Assisting victims
  • Promoting international cooperation for mine action.

Global Standing (as of 2024):

• 164 countries are party to the treaty, encompassing most NATO members, and the majority of African and Latin American nations.
• Major countries that have not joined: India, United States, Russia, China, and Israel.

India’s Position:

• While India aligns with the treaty’s humanitarian objectives, it has refrained from signing due to national security concerns, citing:
  • Porous borders
  • Insurgencies
  • Ongoing territorial disputes
• India maintains the use of landmines for defensive purposes.

Current Global Concern:

• As of 2024, Ukraine is identified by the United Nations as the most heavily mined country in the world.

Recent Developments:

• Countries planning withdrawal: Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – all of which share a border with Russia.
• Norway, although acknowledging rising regional instability, has reaffirmed its commitment to the treaty.