Washington D.C., 22 June 2022 (TDI): The Biden Administration is announcing rudimentary changes to the anti-personnel landmine policy (APL) of the USA after a comprehensive review. By following this protocol, the USA is joining many countries committed to minimizing their use of anti-personnel landmines.
This news was shared by the Humanity and Inclusion Executive Director, Jeff. Meer. He emphasized banning landmines while sharing this news on social media.
According to the official sources, the administration believes that weapons disproportionately impact civilians, especially children. Further, the administration also emphasizes curtailing the use of landmines and complements longstanding USA leadership in clearing landmines and related explosives used during the war.
The commitment to the mine ban treaty has been announced to limit the potential use of landmines to the Korean peninsula and aims for the USA to ultimately accede to landmines.
Consequently, this initiative by the USA will ensure the security of their close ally, the Republic of Korea, which is a paramount concern for it.
The @WhiteHouse has just announced a new US policy on antipersonnel #landmines. It limits potential use by the United States to the Korean peninsula and aims for the US “ultimately acceding” to the #minebantreaty. https://t.co/QgpEMOdymT
— Jeff Meer (@Jeff_HIUS) June 21, 2022
Ottawa Convention
Furthermore, the Ottawa convention prohibits anti-personnel landmines’ use, stockpiling, production, and transfer. Till now, the international treaty has 160 parties, including NATO allies.
Therefore, the USA will not develop, produce, acquire, and export landmines except when mine detection and removal activities are necessary.
USA’s commitment to the humanitarian movement
Additionally, the USA will undertake efforts to pursue material and operational solutions to accede to the convention. Also, it will ensure their ability to respond to contingencies and meet their alliance commitments.
Meanwhile, the announcement of changes in the treaty is a step toward materializing the humanitarian aims of the Ottawa Convention. Thus, the USA aligns with the global humanitarian movement, which will exemplify positive impacts in reducing civilian casualties via APL.
The United States is the world’s most prominent financial supporter of steps to mitigate the harmful consequences of landmines and explosive remnants of war worldwide.
Subsequently, land clearance, medical rehabilitation, and vocational training for injured people are a part of it.
Establishing the USA humanitarian Mine Action Program in 1993, the country has provided nearly $4.2 billion in aid to 100 countries to commence conventional weapons destruction programs. So far, this aid has helped 17 countries become free from the danger of landmines and provided assistance and rehabilitation services to 250,000 people in nearly 35 countries.
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