Landmine victims rise in 2024, posing challenges to the international ban
The Landmine Monitor’s 2024 annual report revealed a tragic reality facing international disarmament efforts, with a significant increase in the number of deaths and injuries caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war, posing unprecedented challenges to the humanitarian gains achieved over the past decades.
Alarming statistics and a heavy human cost
According to the report, 2024 saw 6,279 confirmed casualties, including deaths and injuries, across 52 countries and territories worldwide. This represents an increase of nearly 500 victims compared to the previous year, marking the highest annual toll since 2020. Perhaps the most distressing aspect of these statistics is that civilians constituted the vast majority of victims, at 90%, with children being the most affected group, representing nearly half of all civilian casualties. This reflects the ugly face of armed conflict and its long-term impact on future generations.
Historical background: The Ottawa Treaty in jeopardy
These alarming figures cast doubt on the future of the 1997 Ottawa Treaty banning landmines, one of the most successful disarmament treaties in modern history. The treaty, which has historically aimed to prohibit the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, has effectively reduced casualties and cleared vast areas of land. However, the report warns of the erosion of this international consensus, particularly given that five NATO member states (Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland) have announced their intention to withdraw from the treaty under Article 20, citing growing security concerns and fears of potential Russian aggression.
The most affected conflict zones
The report explained that the increase in casualties is closely linked to the use of landmines in countries experiencing armed conflict and not bound by the treaty. Myanmar topped the global list for the second consecutive year, recording 2,029 casualties. Syria came in second with 1,015 casualties, where the risks have intensified as civilians attempt to return home and resume normal life following recent political changes and the fall of the previous regime in December. In Europe, the report documented Russia's widespread use of anti-personnel mines since the start of its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, while Ukraine recorded nearly 300 casualties in 2024, amid criticism of Kyiv's attempts to suspend its compliance with the treaty.
Economic repercussions and funding shortages
Landmines cause more than just direct physical injuries; they have serious economic and social repercussions, rendering vast areas of farmland unusable, disrupting infrastructure projects, and hindering the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Despite this critical need, the report notes a significant decline in international funding allocated to demining programs and victim assistance.
The report indicated that funding allocated to support victims has decreased by approximately 25%, representing only 5% of total support. The picture becomes even bleaker with projections for 2025, particularly given the decline in US aid following changes in the US administration and the return of President Donald Trump. The United States has reduced its foreign aid despite historically being the largest funder of mine clearance programs globally, placing humanitarian organizations in a genuine predicament in confronting this lurking underground threat.
