ICRC President warns of civilian harm if APMBC falters

In anticipation of the inter-sessional meetings of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC), commencing in Geneva on June 17, Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has cautioned against the potential dangers associated with states, previously supportive of disarmament, withdrawing from the APMBC. The erosion of the global agreement on the inhumane nature of anti-personnel mines poses a threat to human lives and could reverse decades of advancements in humanitarian efforts. The enactment of the APBMC in 1997 contributed to the mitigation of the impact of landmines, which were estimated to inflict approximately 24,000 casualties annually, primarily affecting civilians. Currently, the treaty has been ratified by 165 states, resulting in the destruction of over 55 million stockpiled mines, the clearance of extensive land areas, and a significant decrease in the production and transfer of these lethal armaments. This progress has yielded a reduction in casualties of over 75% compared to the late 1990s. Jeopardizing or renouncing the APMBC endangers lives and undermines the principles of international humanitarian law, considering that civilians account for over 80% of landmine victims. Survivors frequently experience lasting disabilities and require prosthetic appliances, with children representing the majority of those affected.