Plan International expresses concern over Ukraine’s withdrawal from landmine ban
16 July 2025Plan International expresses concerns over Volodymyr Zelensky's signing of a decree initiating Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention banning landmines.
On June 29, 2025, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, signed a decree initiating Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention – the 1997 international treaty banning the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines, also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty. The treaty also prevents the withdrawal of a State Party during active conflict. It has been ratified by 166 states, making it one of the most widely supported disarmament agreements globally. This decision could have serious implications for children’s safety, rights, and post-conflict recovery in Ukraine.
Plan International acknowledges the grave security challenges posed by the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, including the widespread and indiscriminate use of landmines in the conflict. We stand in solidarity with all civilians – especially children, girls, and young people – whose lives and futures continue to be devastated by armed conflict.
At the same time, we strongly caution against any measures that may further endanger civilians, particularly children and others at heightened risks from explosive weapons. Anti-personnel landmines disproportionately affect children and youth, who face death, long-term risks of injury, trauma, and barriers to education and recovery in mine-contaminated areas.
The importance of international humanitarian law
Killing and maiming are among the six grave violations of children’s rights in conflict, and anti-personnel landmines are a frequent cause. As seen in countries such as Afghanistan, Cambodia, Mozambique, and Bosnia, landmines remain deadly for years after hostilities end, and children are often among those harmed. In 2024, 85% of landmine casualties globally were civilians and half were children. In Ukraine, the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) estimates that already 20% of the country’s land is contaminated.
Leaving the Convention could disrupt critical humanitarian work, from demining to medical support and rehabilitation. It risks disrupting access to international funding and technical expertise that are vital for post-conflict recovery, safe returns, and rebuilding efforts.
In all contexts, the principles of international humanitarian law – including distinction, precaution, and proportionality – must remain central. The use of indiscriminate weapons inherently challenges these principles and threatens long-term efforts to protect children and support recovery.
In the latest UN Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict, Secretary-General Guterres, urged Member States to become parties to and implement the Convention – and expressed his regret at States’ intention to withdraw, particularly given the impacts on children.
As a global humanitarian and development organisation committed to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls, Plan International emphasises the urgent need to safeguard civilians – especially children – through child-focused, rights-respecting approaches to protection and defence. We will continue to advocate for safe and mine-free communities where children can thrive.
Categories: Emergencies
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