The U.S. decision to provide anti-personnel mines to Ukraine has sparked international controversy, challenging the integrity of a landmark treaty.
At a Glance
- Landmine victims protested the U.S. action in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
- The protest took place during a conference reviewing the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty.
- Ukraine President calls these mines vital for defense but faces treaty obligations.
- Critics argue that using these mines violates international treaty norms.
US Policy Sparks Debate
The United States’ decision to send anti-personnel mines to Ukraine has drawn stern criticism from multiple quarters, particularly signatories of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. The convention aims to eliminate landmines worldwide, and the U.S. decision is considered a significant breach of its principles. Despite not being a signatory, America’s involvement has attracted global focus, especially at a recent conference in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where the progress of the treaty was assessed. Over 100 protesters, including landmine victims, voiced their disapproval during the conference.
The U.S. policy is not only a diplomatic issue but also has practical battlefield implications. While Kyiv has hailed the mines as crucial for resisting Russian actions, experts state that using them could breach the nation’s treaty commitments. Tamar Gabelnick, from the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, said, “Ukraine using the US mines would be in ‘blatant disregard’ for their obligations under the mine ban treaty.”
CAAT joins @hrw in opposing the proposed transfer of landmines by the US to Ukraine. Landmines harm civilians decades after wars end. As a party to the mine ban treaty, Ukraine must reject these weapons. The US should abandon this terrible idea.https://t.co/JBOa8fIwM5
— CAAT (@CAATuk) November 20, 2024
Protesters and Their Calls
Protesters in Cambodia displayed placards showcasing the devastating consequences of landmines, adding to the growing scrutiny of the USA’s military support to Ukraine. Delegates and activists heard impassioned testimonies from individuals like Ugandan victim Alex Munyambabazi, who stated, “We are tired. We don’t want to see any more victims like me; we don’t want to see any more suffering.”
Although viewed as essential weapons by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said these mines are “very important” to stopping Russian attacks, Ukraine is expected to adhere to its treaty obligations.
We condemn the decision by US President Joe Biden to transfer anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. These weapons are banned by 164 countries, including Ukraine, for their indiscriminate nature.
Read our statement here:https://t.co/Dv2RE9mn7d pic.twitter.com/VeF7wE0CdD
— Danish Refugee Council (@DRC_ngo) November 25, 2024
Ukraine’s Position and Global Reaction
Critics are urging the U.S. and Ukraine to consider the broader implications of this move on international norms. “Washington’s decision to give anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is the biggest blow yet to a landmark anti-mine treaty,” signatories said during the meeting.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian defense officials described alleged Russian mine-laying as genocidal, restating the severity of the ongoing conflict. Consequently, as the international community takes notice, discourse over the treaty’s potency and reach is expected to intensify.
