The U.S. Government has decided to provide antipersonnel landmines to Ukraine. For those of us who have spent time with civilians who have lost limbs or loved ones to these indiscriminate weapons, this is truly shocking news.
Landmines don't distinguish between the footstep of a soldier or that of a child. Whatever short-term military value Ukraine may feel they have, they will leave a legacy that civilians will suffer from for decades.
In 1997, Humanity & Inclusion was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for our campaign to ban anti-personnel landmines. Since then, almost every government – including the US – has introduced policies to stop these deadly weapons being developed, used or transferred.
Every day, our mine action experts see the tragic evidence that mines destroy lives. Whenever landmines are used, civilians are disproportionately injured or killed, often long after the fighting is over.
The U.S. decision not only undermines the Mine Ban Treaty but could embolden other states to disregard or violate its provisions. We need all other governments to take a firm stand and refuse to remain silent in the face of this alarming development.
The use of landmines in Ukraine has already left a devastating legacy of human suffering, hindering post-conflict recovery and endangering future generations. Sign our petition to urge governments to reject these inhumane weapons and show solidarity with civilians in Ukraine and all those impacted by war.
