Ottawa Landmine Convention

• 10 Apr 2025

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

NATO members: Poland, Finland, and the three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) are withdrawing from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, citing increased security threats from Russia amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. 

• They fear a ceasefire may let Russia re-arm and endanger their security. 

What is Ottawa Convention 1997? 

• About: 
  • It is an international agreement that prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. 
    • Landmines are concealed explosive devices that are activated by proximity or pressure.  
    • Anti-personnel mines are specifically designed to cause harm or injury to individuals, including soldiers. 
  • It obligates signatories to destroy stockpiles within 4 years, clear mined areas, and assist victims. 
• Objective: It aims to mitigate civilian harm caused by landmines, which remain lethal long after conflicts end. 
• Adoption: Finalized at the Diplomatic Conference in Oslo on 18th September 1997 and entered into force on 1st March 1999. 
• Scope: Bans anti-personnel landmines but does not apply to anti-vehicle mines (designed to damage or destroy vehicles). 
• Membership: 164 States countries. 
  • Major powers like the US, Russia, and India are not parties. 

2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions 

• The Convention prohibits all use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions.  
  • Cluster munitions are weapons that release many smaller explosives (bomblets) over a large area, often harming civilians and creating lasting humanitarian risks. 
• It has 112 state parties and 12 signatories. Recently, Lithuania has withdrawn from the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans weapons that spread smaller bombs over a wide area.  
  • India, along with the US, Russia, China, Ukraine, and Israel, has refrained from signing the treaty, primarily due to military and strategic considerations.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Questions (PYQs)  

Prelims

Q. Which one of the following is used as an explosive? (2009) 

(a) Phosphorus trichloride  

(b) Mercuric oxide  

(c) Graphite  

(d) Nitroglycerine  

Ans: (d)