A statement from MAG (Mines Advisory Group) on the anniversaries of the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions:
Today marks the 27th anniversary of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) and the 16th anniversary of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) opening for signature.
This anniversary comes just days after the APMBC’s Fifth Review Conference, held in Cambodia last week. The Conference offered a vital opportunity to reflect on the significant progress made over the past 27 years, the ongoing challenges we face, and adopt a plan of action, the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan and the accompanying Political Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of States Parties to the Convention.
The APMBC and the CCM have been pivotal in reducing the humanitarian harm posed by anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions. Together, they have saved countless lives, facilitated the clearance of millions of explosive devices, shaped international norms, and drastically reduced global production of these weapons.
However, escalating conflicts, a global increase in casualties last year, plus the continued and new use of landmines and cluster munitions in multiple countries, underscore the urgent need to reinforce the humanitarian principles that underpin these treaties and focus on ensuring the resources are in place to achieve progress in clearance.
Despite these challenges, there are reasons for optimism. A number of countries are on the pathway to becoming landmine-free, which will enable communities to rebuild their lives in safety. And, as of last week, Tonga announced plans to become the 165th State to join the APMBC, strengthening the Convention community and the global commitment to eliminating anti-personnel landmines.
MAG remains unwavering in its dedication to fostering sustainable peace and supporting recovery around the world. We continue to call on all States Parties to do their utmost to uphold and promote both the APMBC and the CCM globally, and we urge those not yet party to join these important instruments of humanitarian disarmament at this critical time.
Learn more about MAG's work around the world here.
