Finland Withdraws from Anti-Personnel Mines Treaty
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has officially approved the country’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty that bans the use of anti-personnel mines. This decision, made public on Friday, comes in the wake of escalating security concerns posed by Russia. Although Finnish lawmakers voted in June to exit the agreement, the final withdrawal required the president’s endorsement.
In a statement, Stubb explained, “Finland is not facing an immediate military threat, but the changes in the operating environment require that we strengthen our defense.” Notably, Finland shares a lengthy 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, a nation that is not part of the Ottawa Agreement. Stubb highlighted the current military actions undertaken by Russia as a significant factor in Finland’s decision.
Anticipated Changes and Impacts
The withdrawal from the anti-landmine treaty is set to take effect six months after Finland formally notifies the United Nations. The move has raised concerns about the implications for civilian safety, as the Ottawa Convention prohibits signatories from employing, stockpiling, producing, or transferring such weapons. It also mandates the destruction of any existing stockpiles.
Anti-personnel mines, designed to be hidden underground, often inflict severe injuries on unsuspecting victims during conflict. Aid organizations have long criticized these weapons for their devastating long-term effects on civilians, raising questions about the humanitarian impact of Finland’s decision.
Commitment to Responsible Use
Acknowledging the potential backlash from the international community, Stubb assured that Finland is committed to the responsible deployment of anti-personnel mines. He emphasized that Finland would refrain from using these weapons in peacetime, aiming to balance national defense needs with humanitarian considerations.
Finland is not alone in its withdrawal from the treaty; neighboring countries Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland have also announced plans to exit. The collective moves have prompted a response from the global community, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urging states to halt their withdrawals. He intends to launch a campaign advocating for humanitarian disarmament and promoting a world free from mines.
