(Geneva, 30 March 2022) – The International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC) strongly condemns the use of internationally banned antipersonnel landmines by Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict, as reported by member Human Rights Watch.

“Use of antipersonnel landmines by Russian armed forces in Ukraine and anywhere, is unacceptable. These indiscriminate weapons kill civilians and leave a terrible legacy of suffering for years to come. We call for an immediate halt to all use, and for the 164 members of the Mine Ban Treaty to speak up and condemn this action,” said ICBL-CMC Director, Hector Guerra. Ukraine is a State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty while Russia remains outside of the treaty.

Use of banned antipersonnel mines follows the widespread use by Russia of cluster munitions since it invaded Ukraine in February, killing and injuring civilians.

Since 1999, Russian forces have used antipersonnel landmines in Chechnya, Dagestan, Tajikistan, and on the border with Georgia according to the Landmine Monitor. Mine use by a Russian government- linked military company operating in Libya was also reported following the 2020 conflict there. Russia has produced at least 10 types of antipersonnel landmines since 1992, including the rocket delivered mines identified in Ukraine – POM-3 or “Medalyon” antipersonnel mines.

ICBL-CMC urges Russia and all parties to guarantee protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law, and to adhere to the international norm banning use of antipersonnel landmines and cluster munitions.

“There is an urgent need for risk education in Ukrainian communities affected by mines, cluster munition remnants and other explosive remnants of war resulting from Russia’s use of these banned weapons,” said Guerra.

ICBL-CMC works for a world free of antipersonnel landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war, where all lives are protected: a world where contaminated land is cleared and returned to local populations for productive use and where the needs of affected communities and survivors are met and their human rights guaranteed.

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▪ Find out more on how you can support ICBL-CMC efforts to assist communities impacted by landmines and cluster munitions, and help to eliminate the suffering caused by these weapons.

International Campaign to Ban Landmines - Cluster Munition Coalition
Ecumenical Centre, Route de Ferney 150, P. O. Box 2100, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland
Tel. +41 (0) 22 920 0325 Fax. +41 (0) 22 920 0115 Email: info@icblcmc.org Website: icblcmc.org