Ottawa Convention conference to push for progress towards a mine-free world

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Ottawa Convention conference to push for progress towards a mine-free world

The EU underlines its commitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention at a conference in Cambodia this week, addressed by HRVP Josep Borrell.

© Sherbak_photo/Shutterstock

The fifth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, known as the Ottawa Convention, is taking place in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on 25-29 November. The conference brings together the Convention's State Parties, international and regional organisations, mine action operators, victims and civil society. The aim is to review implementation of the Convention and set out the way ahead. The EU, as a staunch supporter of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and the world's second biggest donor on mine action assistance, is committed to a successful outcome.

Why it matters

The EU is a steadfast supporter of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and of the universal ban on anti-personnel mines.

Around the world, the human cost of these weapons is high: they cause harm, instil fear, deny access, hinder economic development and stop displaced people from returning home and using their land freely - thus prolonging the effects of war even after armed conflict is over.

Together in support of the universal ban

The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention is a key humanitarian disarmament instrument. Since the Convention entered into force in 1999, it has established a strong global norm against the use of anti-personnel mines. Over 55 million mines have been destroyed since its signature and production is almost non-existent.

It is also a success story of effective multilateralism. Today, the Convention has 164 State Parties. All EU Member States are parties to the Convention. The Convention has also played a crucial role in the clearance of mine-contaminated land and assistance to mine victims across the globe.

The EU acts for a mine-free world

Yet, the Convention needs to be protected and further supported, so that its objectives are upheld and also adhered to by more countries. The EU will step up efforts to further universalise the Convention with countries yet not party to it. To this effect, the EU works with Cambodia, which assumes the Presidency of the Convention since November 2023.

The EU will also provide further support to the full implementation of the Convention. The EU and its Member States are the world's second largest donor on mine action and will continue to support mine clearance activities. The EU has also continuously provided support to the functioning of the Convention through supporting to the Convention's Implementation Support Unit and through dedicated bilateral projects of more than €174 million since 2023 in mine-affected countries. This is the case for instance in Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Libya, Bosnia-and-Herzegovina and Ukraine.

The EU's position in view of the Review Conference was established by Conclusions adopted by the Council on 27 May 2024.

• Follow the link to learn more about The European Union and Cambodia standing together for a mine-free future