European Nations’ Landmine Treaty Exit Sparks Humanitarian Concerns

Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have announced plans to withdraw from the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, citing heightened threats from Russia, The Guardian reported. Latvia’s parliament became the first to formally approve the move in April 2025, prompting alarm from rights groups. Campaigners warn this reversal—the first among the treaty’s 165+ signatories—risks legitimizing one of the world’s most indiscriminate weapons.

Landmines disproportionately harm civilians, with 70–85% of global casualties being non-combatants, nearly half of them children. Opponents argue that reversals weaken international norms, risking a “slippery slope” for other banned weapons.

NATO members argue the shift is necessary for defense, but humanitarian organizations counter that security “cannot be built on weapons that kill indiscriminately.” Critics also debunk myths about “smart mines,” noting their high failure rates and inability to avoid civilians.

The Red Cross warns the withdrawals threaten decades of progress in humanitarian law, risking a global resurgence of landmine use. Meanwhile, Bosnia’s lingering minefields—30 years post-war—serve as a grim reminder of their enduring devastation.