Withdrawal from Ottawa Convention: A Step Towards Strengthening Deterrence and Defence Capabilities
Vilnius: Poland and the Baltic States Take a Step Towards Quitting Treaty Banning Anti-Personnel Mines
Anti-personnel mines are designed to be buried or hidden on the ground. (AFP pic)
Statement from Defence Ministers
In a joint statement, the defence ministers for the four EU and NATO member states, which all share a border with Russia, said that military threats "have significantly increased." They cited an increased security threat from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The four ex-communist countries have ramped up defence spending and training since Russian troops invaded Ukraine in 2022, voicing fears that Russia could target them next.
Evaluating Measures to Strengthen Deterrence and Defence Capabilities
The statement emphasizes that "in light of this unstable security environment marked by Russia’s aggression and its ongoing threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence and defence capabilities." The defence ministers also "unanimously recommend withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention."
Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention
The Ottawa Convention is a treaty that bans signatories from acquiring, producing, stockpiling, or using anti-personnel mines. More than 160 countries and territories are signatories to the treaty, including Ukraine but not the US or Russia. The treaty aims to prevent the use of such mines, which often mutilate victims and have a long-term impact on civilians.
Lithuania’s Decision to Quit Another Treaty
Lithuania earlier this month quit another treaty banning cluster bombs, citing security concerns over the threat from Moscow. The move sparked outrage from human rights watchdogs, with Amnesty International calling it "disastrous" and Human Rights Watch saying it was "alarming."
Support for International Humanitarian Law
Despite their withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, the defence ministers emphasized that they will remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during an armed conflict.
National Parliaments’ Approval
Withdrawal from the convention needs to be approved by national parliaments before other signatories are notified. The withdrawal comes into effect six months after parliamentary approval.
Conclusion
The decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention is a step towards strengthening deterrence and defence capabilities in the face of an increased security threat from Russia. While the move may raise concerns about the use of anti-personnel mines, the defence ministers have emphasized their commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Poland and the Baltic States withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention?
A: The decision is based on an increased security threat from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, and the need to strengthen deterrence and defence capabilities.
Q: What does the Ottawa Convention ban?
A: The treaty bans signatories from acquiring, producing, stockpiling, or using anti-personnel mines.
Q: How many countries and territories are signatories to the Ottawa Convention?
A: More than 160 countries and territories are signatories to the treaty.
Q: What is the impact of anti-personnel mines on civilians?
A: Anti-personnel mines often mutilate victims and have a long-term impact on civilians.