At least 58 states and territories contaminated by landmines, UN human rights chief says

At Least 58 States and Territories Contaminated by Landmines, UN Human Rights Chief Says

At least 58 states and territories - Volker Türk, the United Nations Human Rights Chief, has highlighted the ongoing threat posed by anti-personnel mines, revealing that at least 58 states and territories across the globe remain affected by these explosive weapons. His statement underscores the persistent danger, even decades after their deployment, and calls for urgent action to address the issue. The concern is amplified by the fact that these mines continue to inflict casualties, particularly on civilians, in countries like Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

Enduring Impact of Landmines

"The continued presence of anti-personnel mines, even years after their deployment, has been a persistent issue, according to Volker Türk, the UN rights chief. He emphasized that despite the treaty's ratification 30 years ago, the toll on civilians remains alarmingly high."

Türk's office released a comprehensive report detailing the global situation, drawing on data from governments, non-governmental organizations, humanitarian groups, and civil society. The findings indicate that in 2024 alone, landmines and unexploded ordnance were responsible for 945 deaths and 4,325 injuries, as reported by the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor. This figure reflects the combined impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war, with the majority of victims being civilians.

Regional Casualty Trends

According to the report, the countries with the highest recorded casualties in 2024 were Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Myanmar topped the list with 2,029 casualties, followed by Syria with 1,015, Afghanistan with 624, and Ukraine with over 200. Other nations, including Nigeria, Mali, Yemen, and Burkina Faso, also reported significant numbers, exceeding 200 each. This data illustrates the widespread reach of landmine-related injuries and fatalities, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to mitigate their effects.

Children Affected by Mines

Türk further pointed out that children account for more than 40% of all civilian casualties caused by anti-personnel mines since 1999. This statistic highlights the vulnerability of younger populations and the long-term consequences of mine proliferation. The report also notes that the presence of landmines not only leads to immediate harm but also creates lasting challenges for communities, transforming once-safe areas into dangerous zones.

Global Efforts and Challenges

The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action, which supports global efforts to clear mines and provide aid to affected regions, saw a sharp decline in contributions between 2018 and 2025. Funding dropped from $125 million to $46 million, a reduction of nearly 63%, as stated in the report. This decrease threatens the ability of humanitarian organizations to carry out essential mine clearance and victim assistance programs.

Despite the Ottawa Convention having 162 signatory nations, several countries with substantial stockpiles have not joined. Recent developments include the withdrawal of Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland from the treaty, while Ukraine has paused its implementation. These actions have raised concerns about the effectiveness of international efforts to eradicate landmines. Türk urged these nations to rejoin the convention and reaffirm their commitment to ending the production and use of such weapons.

Lebanon's Positive Move

Türk commended Lebanon's decision to join the Ottawa Convention, despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This step is seen as a significant achievement in the region, where the presence of mines has continued to disrupt civilian life. The report emphasizes that while progress is being made, the situation remains critical, requiring stronger cooperation and funding to ensure long-term solutions.

Expanding the Casualty Toll

Separately, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines reported that in 2025, the number of casualties from mines and their remnants exceeded 5,000. This includes both fatalities and injuries, with the majority of victims being civilians. The campaign stressed the importance of global solidarity in addressing this issue, as the continued use of such weapons poses a recurring threat to peace and security.

Türk's report also outlined the broader consequences of landmine contamination, beyond immediate casualties. These weapons not only endanger lives but also hinder access to critical resources, prolong displacement, and prevent land from being used for agricultural purposes. The report calls for a renewed focus on mine clearance and the adoption of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty by all nations, regardless of their current participation status. With the threat still present, the international community faces a critical moment to take decisive action and protect vulnerable populations from the lasting effects of landmine warfare.