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As a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic nations are contemplating exiting the Ottawa Treaty—an important international agreement that led to the destruction of landmine stockpiles by 164 countries and prohibited their future use.
Critics of this potential decision, including key figures involved in the treaty’s formation, caution that withdrawing could pose greater risks to civilians and potentially destabilize the economies of these nations instead of serving as a practical military strategy.
In a joint statement issued recently, the defense ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia expressed a desire to withdraw from the landmine ban, citing the increased threat posed by Russia and Belarus.
While parliaments across these countries have yet to vote on this proposal, the idea has raised alarms among European nations, Canada, and human rights organizations concerned about the potential undermining of treaties designed to protect civilians.
Examining Latvia’s Perspective
Latvia, which entered the Ottawa Treaty in 2005, pledged to eliminate its stockpile of anti-personnel mines (APMs). Exiting the treaty would enable Latvia to reintroduce these weapons into its military capabilities.
As a neighbor to Russia alongside its regional counterparts, Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia’s defense ministers emphasized in their statement that withdrawing from the treaty would provide their military forces with the “flexibility and freedom of choice” necessary to deploy APMs if deemed critical.
This recommendation follows the U.S. decision under President Biden to send landmines to Ukraine, a choice framed as a military necessity in the face of intensified Russian troop deployments. Although Ukraine is a signatory of the Ottawa Treaty, it signaled a willingness to make exceptions for areas it considers occupied, such as Crimea, according to reports.
Imants Lieģis, an adviser to Latvia’s defense minister, noted that the threatening geopolitical climate, particularly from Russia, informed their decision. He remarked that public sentiment in Latvia largely supports this potential move.
Lieģis added, “Given the continued aggression against Ukraine and concerning hybrid tactics employed by Russia, the situation has not improved.” He assured that discussions regarding a withdrawal from the treaty would be approached with careful consideration.
Reaction from Humanitarian Organizations
The defense ministers’ statement included a commitment to uphold international humanitarian law, vowing to protect civilians from the dangers potentially introduced by a rearming with landmines.
However, the Red Cross has raised concerns about the feasibility of balancing commitments to humanitarian protection while potentially reintroducing APMs.
According to the organization that operates in conflict zones and regularly witnesses the effects of landmines, this recommendation poses a significant threat to the principles established by the Ottawa Treaty.
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Christian Cardon, spokesperson for the Red Cross, highlighted the disproportionate impact of APMs on civilians, citing statistics that over 80% of those affected are non-combatants, half of whom are children. He emphasized that the long-term repercussions of mine deployment extend beyond immediate health risks, rendering vast areas unviable for agriculture or tourism.
The organization fears that if Poland and the Baltic nations withdraw from the treaty, it could trigger a wider trend of abandoning crucial humanitarian agreements globally, prompting a call for countries to reaffirm their commitments.
Canada’s Role in the Treaty
Given the designation of the Ottawa Treaty, Canada’s involvement in its formation is noteworthy. Former Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy was instrumental in its inception, promotion, and implementation.
Axworthy expressed his disappointment regarding the potential withdrawal of Poland and the Baltic states, attributing the impetus for this change in stance to U.S. policy. He noted that the consequences began to unfold after the Biden administration agreed to supply landmines to Ukraine, further exacerbated by reduced foreign aid and military support.
He remarked, “This fundamentally challenged the pre-established norms surrounding the use of landmines, and I predicted that it would trigger a snowball effect.”
Axworthy also echoed concerns similar to those of the Red Cross, questioning the rationale behind reintroducing APMs into military arsenals and advocating for alternatives such as advanced surveillance systems and drones to counter Russian threats effectively.
He expressed broader apprehension that Poland and the Baltic states’ potential exit from the Ottawa Treaty signifies a disturbing trend that undermines the global legal order established to protect human rights and humanitarian standards.
Source
www.cbc.ca