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UN Rights Chief Urges Comprehensive Approach to Landmine Bans, Citing Peace-Time Limitations
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has issued a strong call for a more robust and encompassing approach to the prohibition of anti-personnel mines, emphasizing that restrictions solely applied during peacetime are insufficient to address the enduring threat these weapons pose. The statement, highlighted in UN News’ top stories on July 2, 2025, underscores a growing concern that current international agreements may not adequately protect civilians from the devastating impact of mines, particularly in the context of ongoing and post-conflict situations.
Mr. Türk’s remarks draw attention to the critical need to move beyond a framework that primarily focuses on the “peace-time” ban of landmines. While the Mine Ban Convention (also known as the Ottawa Treaty) has been instrumental in reducing the production, stockpiling, and use of anti-personnel mines, the High Commissioner’s statement suggests that the continued presence and the potential for renewed use of these indiscriminate weapons in active conflict zones present a significant challenge that requires more urgent and comprehensive solutions.
Anti-personnel mines, by their very nature, cannot distinguish between combatants and civilians. Once laid, they can remain active for decades, inflicting horrific injuries and causing widespread displacement long after hostilities have ceased. The humanitarian consequences are profound, affecting communities for generations by rendering land unusable for agriculture, development, and safe return.
The High Commissioner’s statement implicitly points to the complexities of modern warfare, where the lines between peace and conflict can become blurred, and where certain actors may disregard international norms. Adhering to a ban only when there is formal peace may leave populations vulnerable during periods of heightened tension or active, albeit perhaps low-intensity, hostilities.
The call for a more comprehensive approach likely encompasses several key areas:
- Strengthening International Commitments: This could involve encouraging universal ratification and full implementation of existing treaties, such as the Ottawa Treaty, and exploring ways to close loopholes or address non-compliance.
- Enhanced Victim Assistance: Beyond prohibition and clearance, there is a crucial need to bolster support for survivors of mine incidents, including rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and socioeconomic reintegration.
- Accelerated Mine Clearance: Increased investment and technological innovation are vital to expedite the removal of existing minefields, freeing up land for vital humanitarian and developmental purposes.
- Preventing Future Use: Proactive measures to deter the use of landmines in any context, and to hold accountable those who violate international humanitarian law, are essential.
- Addressing the Root Causes of Conflict: Ultimately, the most effective way to prevent the laying of mines is to work towards sustainable peace and security, addressing the underlying issues that lead to armed conflict.
Mr. Türk’s timely intervention serves as a critical reminder of the persistent and devastating human rights implications of landmines. By advocating for a more encompassing strategy that transcends the limitations of a purely peace-time ban, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urges the international community to redouble its efforts to ensure that all populations are protected from these indiscriminate weapons, both in times of conflict and in the pursuit of lasting peace.
Adhering to bans on mines only in peace time will not work: UN rights chief
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