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Danish Refugee Council expresses deep worries over humanitarian consequences of Landmine use amid Ukraine’s Decision to withdraw from the Mine Ban Treaty

DRC recognizes the extraordinary security challenges in Ukraine and the ongoing war, which has resulted in immense human suffering and unprecedented levels of mine contamination across the country. As an organization working on demining in Ukraine since 2014, DRC is however gravely worried at the announcement by the Government of Ukraine regarding its intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines.

These weapons pose a severe and long-lasting threat to civilians, particularly children, and impede safe access to homes, schools, and farmland. Ukraine is now among the most heavily mined countries globally, and clearance efforts are projected to take decades. The presence of landmines not only causes immediate casualties but also hinders recovery, reconstruction, and the safe return of displaced communities.

DRC underscores the critical importance of upholding humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law, which seek to protect civilians from the indiscriminate effects of such weapons.

The Ottawa Convention has played a vital role in reducing the use of anti-personnel mines worldwide and in saving countless lives through prevention, clearance, and victim assistance. We echo the calls of the international humanitarian community for all states to recommit to the spirit and objectives of the Convention, and to work collectively towards a world free of landmines.

DRC remains steadfast in its commitment to providing humanitarian mine action including victim assistance, risk education, and support to affected communities in Ukraine. We urge all parties to the conflict to respect and facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations, and to take every possible measure to minimize harm to civilians.