United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk announced that landmines have contaminated at least 58 countries and regions worldwide, causing severe civilian casualties.
Türk noted that despite nearly 30 years since the adoption of the mine ban, people continue to be killed and injured by these explosive weapons.
Call to End Production, Use, and Transfer
Türk urged all states to end the production, use, and transfer of landmines. He also emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation for clearing mined areas.
He called on countries that have not yet ratified the Ottawa Treaty to do so without delay and urged those that have withdrawn to return promptly.
Continued Use Despite Mine Ban
Although 162 countries are parties to the Ottawa Treaty, which came into force in 1999, Türk reminded that some countries with large stockpiles of mines have not joined the agreement.
According to Türk’s report, data collected from governments, civil society organizations, and humanitarian groups show that landmines and cluster munitions caused at least 645 deaths and 4,325 injuries in 2024.
The report also stated that over 40% of landmine victims recorded since 1999 have been children.
Sharp Decline in Donations
Türk highlighted that contributions to the UN voluntary trust fund used for mine action have dropped from $125 million to $46 million over the past seven years.
In a separate statement, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines reported that remnants of war, including landmines and cluster munitions, killed or injured more than 5,000 people in 2025, most of whom were civilians.
