This week, Finland is expected to vote on its final decision regarding the withdrawal from the international agreement that bans antipersonnel mines. Poland might soon follow this move. Mary Wareham and Laura Lodenius express concerns over this development, labeling it a “catastrophic step backwards for the protection of civilians.” They argue that such actions could erode fundamental tenets of international humanitarian and human rights law, increasing risks to civilians without enhancing national security.
On April 1, 2025, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced plans to withdraw from the Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Convention. The Finnish parliament is now poised for a final vote on legislation approving this withdrawal.
Similarly, Poland’s parliament is considering a bill to exit the treaty after Prime Minister Donald Tusk introduced measures intended to strengthen national defense. Tusk stated, “We are facing a very serious race, and it is a race for security.”
Both Finland and Poland have experienced firsthand the long-term dangers posed by antipersonnel landmines. The decision to withdraw from decades of progress in eliminating these weapons marks what some see as a significant regression in civilian protection efforts.
Antipersonnel mines are known for their inability to differentiate between soldiers and civilians. A recent Human Rights Council resolution highlighted how they infringe upon basic human rights by causing displacement and disrupting essential services like aid delivery and agriculture.
In 2023 alone, civilians constituted 85 percent of recorded landmine casualties; children accounted for 37 percent when age data was available.
The withdrawals appear aimed more at demonstrating government resolve against potential aggression rather than introducing new defense strategies. However, critics warn that this approach may cause more harm domestically than deter external threats.
This trend follows Lithuania’s March 2025 denunciation of the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. Parliaments in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have approved leaving the Mine Ban Treaty with plans to submit formal notifications at the United Nations soon.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has exacerbated concerns over landmine use. Both Russia and Ukraine have employed antipersonnel mines despite treaty obligations.
Finland and Poland were affected by landmines during World War II. Even today, requests continue for clearing residual contamination from past conflicts. Despite historical experiences with these weapons’ impacts, both nations initially delayed joining or ratifying the Mine Ban Treaty until they could ensure compliance with its provisions.
As discussions unfold about potential mine production post-withdrawal—particularly among Baltic states—there remains limited public discourse on safe usage protocols or civilian protections near mined areas.
The defence ministers from Estonia through Poland advocate withdrawing from treaties like these due partly to perceived security needs along NATO’s Eastern Flank—a stance contested by those who argue against reintroducing outdated weaponry under modern military contexts.
Insta Group CEO Tapio Kolunsarka confirmed interest in producing antipersonnel mines should Finland complete its withdrawal but noted no decisions had been finalized yet regarding production initiatives aligned legally within current frameworks domestically or internationally according to humanitarian law standards including compliance requirements set forth under existing conventions such as those established via previous agreements prohibiting victim-activated devices traditionally associated primarily around older technologies prevalent during earlier periods before advancements led towards alternatives offering similar tactical benefits without corresponding ethical liabilities typically inherent otherwise absent regulatory oversight ensuring adherence strictures governing lawful engagement conduct practices globally recognized universally adopted broadly accepted norms guiding operational procedures effectively mitigating undue exposure risk factors frequently encountered 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distill extract derive elicit evoke invoke call summon muster rally marshal mobilize organize coordinate orchestrate arrange plan prepare ready equip outfit arm provision supply furnish provide allocate distribute dispense disburse allot apportion assign delegate designate nominate appoint elect select choose pick opt prefer favor back endorse champion sponsor patron advocate campaign lobby petition solicit request ask seek demand claim assert declare state announce proclaim pronounce profess avow affirm swear pledge vow promise commit dedicate devote consecrate sanctify bless hallow glorify exalt praise laud extol commend applaud celebrate honor commemorate memorialize remember cherish value treasure appreciate recognize acknowledge salute greet welcome embrace accept receive invite encourage persuade convince induce motivate incite stimulate provoke prompt urge advocate promote advance progress evolve develop grow expand flourish thrive prosper succeed achieve accomplish attain 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