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On Mine Awareness Day, charities worldwide called for greater action to eliminate landmines that continue to threaten millions of lives. As some nations back out of key international mine treaties, concerns grow over the future of demining efforts. The decision by Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland to withdraw from the 1997 anti-personnel mine treaty highlights the growing obstacles in the global battle against these deadly remnants of war. The United Nations reports one person is harmed by landmines every hour, with civilians, especially children, bearing the brunt of these devastating injuries.

Setbacks in Global Demining Efforts

The decision by several European countries to exit the 1997 anti-personnel mine treaty marks a significant setback in the global fight against landmines. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland have justified their actions, citing ongoing Russian aggression and the changing dynamics of international security. This move undermines the European Union’s ambitious goal to eliminate landmines by 2025, raising alarms among organizations like the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.

These decisions, along with the abandonment of international treaties, jeopardize decades of progress in landmine clearance. Mines, remnants of past wars, and improvised explosives continue to cause death and injury worldwide, with civilians, particularly children, often paying the highest price.

Hasanali Aliyev, a survivor from Azerbaijan, shared his heartbreaking experience of stepping on a mine at age 23. “I had big dreams, like any young person,” he recalled, describing the long and painful recovery process. Aliyev, who lost part of his leg, highlighted the emotional and physical toll that landmines inflict on victims, emphasizing the need for more effective global action.

Ongoing Crisis in War Zones Across Europe

Europe is not exempt from the threat of landmines. Countries like Bosnia and Azerbaijan continue to deal with the lingering dangers posed by landmines left behind by past and present conflicts. In Azerbaijan, a national demining program was launched to clear critical infrastructure such as roads and power lines. The government has prioritized safety and recovery, with officials like Adil Aslanov of the Azerbaijani National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) emphasizing the need for long-term demining efforts to rebuild affected communities.

Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire in other conflict zones, particularly in Ukraine. With over three years of full-scale war, Ukraine now faces one of the world’s most extensive landmine problems. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that unexploded devices cover nearly a third of Ukraine’s territory, with clearance efforts expected to cost up to €35 million.

Although Ukrainian officials remain committed to demining, the ongoing conflict and a shortage of trained personnel make the task even more challenging. Removing an estimated two million mines is critical to ensuring future safety and long-term peace in the region.

The Call for Education and Prevention

As survivors like Aliyev advocate for increased education and awareness, humanitarian organizations echo the urgent need for better prevention programs in mine-affected areas. Aliyev stressed that informing civilians, particularly children, about the dangers of landmines could save countless lives. He urged governments and international organizations to allocate more funds to educational campaigns that highlight the risks of unexploded ordnance and teach people how to stay safe.

“Each step we take to inform and protect saves lives,” Aliyev said. His call for increased awareness is supported by numerous humanitarian groups, who argue that alongside demining efforts, education is crucial in preventing new tragedies.

Survivors and organizations continue to press for renewed action from governments to honor existing mine-ban treaties and expand efforts to clear affected areas. Without a global commitment to these goals, future generations may face the same deadly risks that have plagued communities for decades.

A Call for Global Action

The situation surrounding landmines remains a global crisis. As countries pull back from international agreements and new conflicts exacerbate the problem, the need for coordinated, global action becomes even more urgent. Survivors like Aliyev remind the world that while demining efforts are crucial, education and prevention must go hand in hand. Governments and international bodies must reaffirm their commitment to clearing mines, helping survivors, and preventing further harm.

The fight against landmines is not only about clearing the remnants of war but also ensuring that future generations do not suffer from the same dangers. The global community must rise to the challenge, act quickly, and honor promises made to protect the most vulnerable from this persistent threat.