Poland and Baltics plan Ottawa Treaty exit, sparking fears for the landmine ban’s future

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states are considering exiting the Ottawa Treaty, a landmark agreement that banned the use of landmines and saw the destruction of arsenals in 164 countries. This decision has raised concerns among critics, including the Canadian who championed the treaty, who warn that it could have detrimental effects on civilians and economies.

The defence ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia released a joint statement recommending withdrawal from the treaty, citing the increased threat from Russia and Belarus as the primary reason. While the final decision is pending approval by their respective parliaments, the potential departure from the treaty has sparked alarm in Europe, Canada, and among human rights advocates who fear it could undermine the progress made since the treaty’s inception in 1999.

Latvia, a signatory of the Ottawa Treaty since 2005, is considering abandoning the agreement to rearm with anti-personnel mines (APMs). The Baltic country, like its neighbors Poland, Estonia, and Lithuania, shares a border with Russia. The defence ministers of these countries argue that leaving the treaty would provide their armies with the flexibility to use weapons like APMs if necessary in response to the perceived threat from Russia.

The decision to exit the Ottawa Treaty is not being taken lightly, according to Imants Lieģis, a diplomatic adviser to Latvia’s defence minister. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s aggressive actions have fueled concerns among Latvian officials, leading to public support for the withdrawal from the treaty.

However, humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross have raised objections to the potential withdrawal, noting the devastating impact of landmines on civilians. Christian Cardon, the Red Cross chief spokesperson, highlighted the disproportionate harm caused to civilians, particularly children, by APMs. He emphasized the long-term consequences of landmines, which not only pose a threat to human life but also hinder economic development by rendering land unusable for agriculture and tourism.

Former Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy, who played a key role in the development of the Ottawa Treaty, expressed disappointment over the potential withdrawal of Poland and the Baltic states. He attributed the decision in part to the U.S.’s actions, including the provision of landmines to Ukraine and the reduction of foreign aid and military support.

Axworthy questioned the efficacy of reintroducing APMs and advocated for alternative methods to address security concerns, such as early-warning systems and drones. He warned that the potential withdrawal from the treaty by these countries could set a dangerous precedent and undermine the international legal order.

In conclusion, the decision by Poland and the Baltic states to potentially exit the Ottawa Treaty has raised significant concerns among stakeholders. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this move will impact the region and global efforts to ban the use of landmines.