DanChurchAid (DCA) is gravely concerned by the announcement by the defence ministers of Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania on Tuesday 18 March stating that they unanimously recommend withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention in light of the growing threat from Russia to front-line NATO states.
DanChurchAid acknowledges new geopolitical realities in the world, but this decision places civilians in unnecessary danger and undermines decades of progress in humanitarian disarmament.
“The recommendation to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention is deeply concerning,” says Jonas Nøddekær, Secretary-General of DanChurchAid.
“Anti-personnel mines are indiscriminate weapons that pose a devastating threat to civilians, especially children. By moving to reinstate such weapons, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are endangering their own citizens and damaging the global commitment to humanitarian protection.”
Withdrawal would be a serious setback
The Ottawa Convention – or Mine Ban Treaty – was signed in 1997 and remains a landmark achievement in humanitarian disarmament, credited with saving countless lives worldwide. Since joining the treaty in 2006, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have upheld their commitments, including successfully destroying stockpiles – as have the 164 countries that have ratified or conceded the treaty globally.
A reversal of the progress would mark a serious setback not only for these nations but also for international humanitarian law and the global effort to eliminate these deadly weapons.
Civilians will pay the highest price
DanChurchAid warns that a return to anti-personnel mine deployment risks devastating consequences, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children.
In 2024, 84 percent of recorded landmine casualties were civilians, 37 percent of them children. These weapons frequently cause severe injuries, including traumatic amputations that result in lifelong disabilities or death.
“Anti-personnel mines are indiscriminate weapons that pose a devastating threat to civilians, especially children.”
Jonas Nøddekær, Secretary-General of DanChurchAid.
Furthermore, reintroducing domestic production of anti-personnel mines would demand significant financial and infrastructure investments, diverting resources away from modern and effective defence strategies.
Mixing with the wrong crowd
Aligning with regimes that still produce these weapons, such as Russia, Myanmar, Iran, and North Korea, would also damage Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania’s reputations as responsible international actors.
DanChurchAid, therefore, urges the countries to reconsider this decision and remain committed to the Mine Ban Treaty, which has played a crucial role in protecting civilians and promoting global peace.
DanChurchAid remains dedicated to supporting demining efforts and advocating for a world free of landmines.
DanChurchAid and global advocacy
- DanChurcAid sits on the governance board of The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). ICBL is a global network with a presence in more than 100 countries and works for a world free of antipersonnel landmines, where survivors of landmine accidents can still lead dignified and fulfilling lives. Read more on the ICBL website.
- DanChurchAid sits on the review board of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). IMAS provides guidance, establish principles and help define international requirements and specifications designed to improve safety, efficiency and quality in mine action. Read more on their website.