Geneva, 2 December 2025
Delivered by
Dagmar Matúšů, Policy Advisor
Thank you, Madame President,
On the subject of Ukraine’s suspension, NPA aligns itself with the joint statement to be delivered by Mine Action Review.
The Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention has been a landmark achievement made possible by the close cooperation between governments, international organizations and civil society united in their determination to protect civilians from the unacceptable harm caused by these indiscriminate weapons. The Convention has established a strong norm against the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, and its successes are undeniable. Over 80% of States signed up to this global commitment, with Tonga and the Marshall Islands joining this year. We congratulate them for this meaningful step towards strengthening the protection of civilians.
This progress did not happen by itself – it is the result of continuous efforts and support from all States Parties, all stakeholders and civil society. Now is not the time to ease up on these efforts. We encourage all States not yet Parties to join the Convention and stand up for the protection of civilians, especially in today’s increasingly violent world.
Only a year ago, the States Parties agreed, with reference to Actions 11 and 12 of the Siem Reap Angkor Action Plan, to “intensify efforts to promote universal observance of the Convention’s norms and objectives”, “condemn violations of the norms” and “end the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines by any actor, under any circumstances”. Yet since then, five European States Parties have begun the process of withdrawing from the Convention, and one has attempted to unlawfully “suspend” its obligations, while already in non-compliance with its obligations.
The security concerns mentioned by the five withdrawing states are real and understandable, but resorting to outdated and obsolete weapons that terrorize, kill and maim civilians during and long after conflicts end is not a solution. These irrational and irresponsible decisions, driven by false promises of security, ignore the overwhelming evidence and harsh realities on the ground. According to the latest Landmine Monitor, 90% of all recorded casualties in 2024 were civilians, and nearly half of them were children. The number of people killed or injured by anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war continues to rise, with 2024 marking the highest annual total since 2020. These indiscriminate weapons have simply no place in modern warfare.
We call on Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and Finland and any other State Party contemplating withdrawal to reconsider such ill-informed decisions and reaffirm their commitment to the Convention’s obligations.
The Convention is facing serious challenges that put the credibility of the States Parties to the true test. As stated in the Siem Reap Angkor Action Plan, States Parties have committed to “spare no effort to uphold and strengthen the norm established by the Convention.” Now, at this very Meeting of the States Parties, is the time to turn these words into action and reaffirm the absolute prohibition set by the Convention and commitment to protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law.
Thank you.
