Because of the extensive harm caused by landmines, an international treaty adopted in 1997 has sought to ban them. All 164 countries party to the Mine Ban Treaty have committed to prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of antipersonnel landmines.
But backsliding on this crucial effort is putting civilians at further risk.
For over three decades, the US has been the world's largest contributor to humanitarian demining, mine risk education, and rehabilitation programs for landmine survivors. But the Trump administration’s deep cuts to foreign aid are now disrupting mine clearance operations.
Meanwhile, government ministers from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland have all announced their intention to withdraw from the Mine Ban Treaty. Poland’s defense minister also said the government intends to restart production of antipersonnel mines.
Rather than eroding humanitarian norms, governments around the world should recommit to protecting civilians during war and again make an important moment like Mine Action Day something to celebrate.
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