Norwegian People’s Aid condemns Estonia’s decision to leave the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention

This deeply regrettable move is an attack on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the humanitarian imperative which puts civilians at increased risk in a time when the norms protecting them are already under pressure. The APMBC is a cornerstone of IHL and humanitarian disarmament.

With this decision, Estonia joins a group of European countries retreating from the global commitment to protect civilians from the devastating consequences of antipersonnel mines. These weapons do not distinguish between soldiers and civilians, and their use continues to cause long-term suffering, displacement, and environmental harm — often long after conflicts end.

"The Mine Ban Treaty represents a global consensus that anti-personnel mines have no place in modern warfare. Walking away from this commitment is a step backward for international humanitarian law, for the protection of civilians, and for human dignity", says Raymond Johansen, Secretary General of NPA, adding, "As a humanitarian organisation working in mine-affected countries around the world, NPA witnesses every day the devastating impact of these weapons on communities already facing poverty, instability, and the consequences of conflict."

NPA calls on Estonia to reconsider its position and reaffirm its commitment to the protection of civilians and the international norms that have made the world safer over the past decades. We also urge all remaining States Parties to the APMBC to stand firm in their support for the treaty and speak out against any actions that seek to weaken the international rule-based order.

“Now is not the time to retreat from our humanitarian obligations — but to reinforce them”, Johansen concludes.