Addressing the Environmental and Humanitarian Challenges of Landmines

The pervasive use of landmines in conflicts around the world has become a universal issue, impacting numerous countries and posing significant challenges for decades. Landmines come in two varieties: anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines.

Both have caused immense suffering over the past decades. Anti-personnel landmines are prohibited under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, commonly known as the Mine Ban Convention, adopted in 1997.

More than 150 countries have joined this treaty, resulting in a marked reduction of casualties, an increased number of mine-free states, destroyed stockpiles, and improved assistance to victims. The Mine Ban Convention requires countries to clear landmines from their territories and prescribes that states in a position to do so assist affected countries.

Despite these successes, landmines continue to cause many casualties, often among civilians. They restrict the movement of people and humanitarian aid, make land unsuitable for cultivation, and deny citizens access to water, food, healthcare, and trade.

Every day, people die or lose limbs from stepping on a landmine, with the majority of victims being civilians in countries at peace.

On 4th July 2024, a significant conference titled “Confronting the Landmine Challenge: Environmental Implications and Policy Responses” was held at the VUB Etterbeek Campus in Brussels, drawing together experts, diplomats, and stakeholders from various nations to deliberate on these pressing issues.

Organised by the Brussels Diplomatic Academy, with substantial involvement from the Azerbaijan Embassy, the event aimed to elucidate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of landmines, as well as explore policy responses and best practices in demining efforts.

Opening Remarks and the Importance of the Conference

The conference commenced with a welcome address by prominent Belgian Lawyer Jean De Brabander, Coordinator at Brussels Diplomatic Academy (VUB) who underscored the urgent need to address the persistent threat of landmines.

He emphasised that even after conflicts have ceased, landmines continue to inflict ecological, economic, and environmental damage, affecting both human populations and wildlife. “The remnants of war, such as landmines, remain a silent killer, long after the last shot is fired,” De Brabander noted.

Keynote Address by Gunter Gaublomme

Gunter Gaublomme, Director of the Brussels Diplomatic Academy, delivered the keynote address, warmly welcoming participants and underscoring the conference’s significance.

He highlighted the often-overlooked environmental costs of demining, including the disruption of land cover and the acceleration of soil erosion. “Landmines are indiscriminate. They kill people, livestock, and wild animals, significantly impacting biodiversity,” Gaublomme remarked.

In-Depth Look at Azerbaijan’s Landmine Situation

A significant portion of the conference focused on Azerbaijan’s extensive experience with landmines, underscoring the country’s proactive stance in addressing this grave issue. The Azerbaijan Embassy, as a key organiser of the event, provided detailed insights into the nation’s challenges and responses.

Slobodan Tadic, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Azerbaijan, and Vugar Suleymanov, Board Chairman of the Mine Action Agency of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), highlighted the country’s efforts.

Azerbaijan is one of the most landmine-contaminated countries globally, with over 1.5 million landmines affecting its territories, particularly in the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The representatives elaborated on the extensive ecological and human impacts of landmines in Azerbaijan.

“Landmines do not only pose a direct threat to human safety but also severely damage the environment, affecting soil and water quality and disrupting local ecosystems,” they stated.

The ecological consequences of landmines in Azerbaijan are profound. Contaminated soil and water, disrupted ecosystems, and destroyed habitats of numerous plant and animal species are just a few of the environmental challenges.

“When landmines explode, they release toxic substances, chemicals, and heavy metals into the environment, leading to soil degradation and water pollution. This not only impacts human health but also disrupts the natural balance of life,” the UNDP representative explained.

Recognising the urgency of this problem, Azerbaijan has taken a leading role in addressing the environmental impacts of landmines. Since 2021, Azerbaijan has hosted a series of international conferences in collaboration with the United Nations, focusing on the environmental implications of landmines.

The most recent conference, titled “Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilisation for a Safe and Green Future,” brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss these pressing issues and raise awareness.

The UNDP is actively promoting environmental best practices in mine action within Azerbaijan, addressing erosion, soil degradation, pollution of air, water, and soil, and the generation of waste.

“Our work helps to build a better and greener future, advocating for sustainable development, environmental resilience, and economic growth,” the representative stated.

As part of these efforts, UNDP has supported Azerbaijan in establishing the first-ever female demining teams, breaking traditional gender roles and providing new opportunities for women. “These women not only reclaim land but also serve as role models for future generations,” the representative highlighted.

Cambodia’s Landmine Legacy

His Excellency Mr. Sakal Nong, Ambassador of Cambodia, shared the country’s historical struggle with landmines, which began in earnest after the end of its civil war in 1998.

Cambodia has been significantly affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), resulting in over 65,000 casualties to date. The Cambodian government has integrated mine action into its national development plans and established the Cambodia Mine Action Centre (CMAC) to coordinate demining activities.

“Clearing landmines is not just a task; it is a moral obligation to ensure the safety and prosperity of our citizens,” the Cambodian ambassador emphasised.

Significant achievements include clearing over 3,000 square kilometres of contaminated land and destroying more than three million landmines and UXOs.

The ambassador also noted Cambodia’s commitment to hosting the Fifth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in Siem Reap in 2024, highlighting the country’s ongoing dedication to creating a mine-free world. “This conference will be a testament to our progress and our commitment to a safer, mine-free future,” he stated.

Challenges and Solutions in Colombia

The representative from Colombia discussed the unique challenges his country faces due to its diverse geography and ongoing conflict. Colombia has been dealing with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines for decades, primarily laid by guerrilla groups. The 2016 peace agreement with FARC has helped the government locate and clear many of these devices, but challenges remain due to the continuous planting of mines by other groups.

“Despite the peace agreement, the fight against landmines is far from over,” the Colombian representative noted.

Colombia’s efforts include extensive international cooperation and the involvement of NGOs such as HALO Trust and Handicap International.

The representative emphasised the environmental impact of demining operations in Colombia’s biodiverse regions and the need for sustainable land use practices post-clearance. “Our rich biodiversity is under threat, and we must act decisively to protect it,” he urged.

Lessons from Chad

His Excellency Dr. Bachar Brahim Adoum, Ambassador of Chad, outlined the severe impact of landmines in his country, particularly in desert areas.

The demining process in Chad began in 1987 and has been supported by international partners such as Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

“Landmines have turned once-thriving lands into barren deserts,” the ambassador explained. He highlighted the technical and financial challenges faced by Chad and the ongoing need for international support.

“Our struggle is not just against the physical presence of mines but also against the environmental degradation they cause,” he added.

Addressing Dual-Use Technology and Sanctions

A question from the audience, posed by a Syrian diplomat, highlighted the challenges faced by countries under sanctions, particularly regarding dual-use technologies essential for demining.

The diplomat asked about how other countries have navigated similar challenges. In response, the panellists shared various strategies, including working through international organisations like the UN, which can sometimes act as custodians for such equipment.

“The UN and NGOs have played crucial roles in providing the necessary technology and support, even when direct transfers were not possible,” one panellist noted.

The second panel “Confronting the Landmine Challenge – Experiences from the Field and Best Practices” of the conference, again chaired by Dr. Cailin C. E. Mackenzie, focused on field experiences and best practices in confronting the landmine challenge.

The panellists shared insights on effective demining techniques, technological innovations, and the importance of international collaboration.

Anna Bouchier from APOPO (acronym from Dutch which stands for “Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling”, or in English, Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product Development) highlighted the role of innovative detection methods using trained rats to locate landmines.

“Our HeroRATs have proven to be a game-changer in landmine detection, combining efficiency with cost-effectiveness,” Bouchier explained.

David Cullen, Head of Unit, EU Directorate-General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG-NEAR) discussed the EU’s support for demining efforts through the Directorate-General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, emphasising the need for continued funding and policy support.

“Our commitment is to help affected countries not just with demining but also with rehabilitation and sustainable development,” Cullen stated.

Ceremony for Belgium’s New Support for APOPO’s Demining Activities in Azerbaijan

Following the second panel, a special ceremony acknowledged Belgium’s new €250,000 contribution to Azerbaijan’s humanitarian demining operations through the APOPO NGO, known for its innovative use of trained rats in mine detection.

Representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both Belgium and Azerbaijan, along with a representative from APOPO, highlighted the significance of this support in promoting safety and development.

This contribution was celebrated as a symbol of human solidarity and a positive factor in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belgium. “This support not only enhances our demining efforts but also exemplifies the strong bond between our nations,” remarked a representative from Azerbaijan.

Concluding Remarks and Future Directions

The conference concluded with remarks highlighting the need for continuous international cooperation and innovative approaches to address the landmine challenge.

Participants agreed on the importance of involving local communities in demining efforts and ensuring that cleared land is used sustainably. The discussions also underscored the critical role of technology in making demining operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.

In her closing remarks, the moderator reflected on the diverse experiences shared throughout the conference. “From Azerbaijan to Colombia, Cambodia to Chad, the challenges may differ, but the commitment to overcoming them is universal,” she said. “By sharing our knowledge and working together, we can create a safer, greener, and more prosperous world.”

In summary, the conference highlighted the global nature of the landmine problem and the need for a coordinated international response.

By sharing experiences and best practices, countries can learn from each other and work together to mitigate the devastating impacts of landmines on both human populations and the environment. The path forward requires a blend of innovative technology, robust international cooperation, and unwavering dedication to humanitarian and environmental principles.

The conference concluded with a discussion on the need for continuous international cooperation and innovative approaches to address the landmine challenge.

In her closing remarks, the moderator reflected on the diverse experiences shared throughout the conference. “From Azerbaijan to Colombia, Cambodia to Chad, the challenges may differ, but the commitment to overcoming them is universal,” she said. “By sharing our knowledge and working together, we can create a safer, greener, and more prosperous world.”

In summary, the conference highlighted the global nature of the landmine problem and the need for a coordinated international response.

By sharing experiences and best practices, countries can learn from each other and work together to mitigate the devastating impacts of landmines on both human populations and the environment.

The path forward requires a blend of innovative technology, robust international cooperation, and unwavering dedication to humanitarian and environmental principles.