On 21 May 2026, the Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) co-organized a side event on the margins of the 2026 Protection of Civilians Week on “Reaffirming commitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention for the Protection of Civilians”. The event was co-sponsored by Colombia, Zambia, Algeria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, New Zealand, Lebanon, Belgium, the Philippines, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, South Africa, Australia, UNODA, UNMAS, UNICEF, OCHA and Norwegian People’s Aid. Bringing together representatives of Member States, United Nations entities and civil society organizations, it provided an important platform to highlight a renewed sense of urgency around the long-term humanitarian consequences caused by the use of anti-personnel mines and to underscore the need to uphold, fully implement, and universalize the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC).
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The discussion opened with strong calls for renewed commitment to the APMBC and the protection of civilians.
The Permanent Representative of Norway underscored that the Convention remains a living instrument, requiring sustained vigilance and continued political engagement from States Parties to uphold its objectives.
The President of the ICRC emphasized the enduring relevance of the APMBC amid rising civilian harm in contemporary conflicts. Highlighting the devastating and indiscriminate effects of anti-personnel mines, she stressed that civilians, especially children, continue to bear the brunt of their impact, often facing lifelong physical, psychological, and socio-economic consequences. She noted that mine contamination persists for decades, with enormous long-term recovery costs far exceeding the low cost of deployment, stressing that prevention remains far more effective than recovery. She warned against any erosion of commitments and called for renewed political will, sustained investment, and stronger adherence to uphold humanitarian principles and protect civilians. She also pointed to Lebanon’s accession as a notable demonstration of political courage.
The High Representative for Disarmament Affairs reaffirmed that the APMBC stands as a cornerstone of humanitarian disarmament, rooted in international humanitarian law and reflective of the international community’s resolve to place the protection of civilians at the center of disarmament and security. She stressed that there can be no trade-off between security and respect for international humanitarian law, emphasizing that the protection of civilians is not a secondary consideration, but a core obligation, especially in times of conflict. Welcoming Lebanon’s accession, she described it as a significant and principled step that reinforces the importance of the protection of civilians and of upholding humanitarian norms especially in the midst of ongoing conflict. She called for preserving the integrity of the Convention, including by firmly rejecting any attempts to legitimize the reintroduction of anti-personnel mines.
The Permanent Representatives of Algeria, Lebanon and Switzerland, the Deputy Permanent Representatives of the Philippines and Colombia, and representatives from the Croatian Mine Action Center, ICRC and Norwegian People’s Aid participated in the ensuing panel discussions focused on the humanitarian consequences of landmines and their role in contemporary warfare. Speakers emphasized that the indiscriminate and long-lasting harm caused by anti-personnel landmines far outweighs any limited military utility. Drawing on national experiences, they highlighted the devastating humanitarian, economic, and social impacts of landmines. Panelists emphasized the importance of strong national ownership, sustained and predicable funding, and community-centered approaches to accelerate mine action. They also noted the role of the APMBC in supporting peace processes and fostering international cooperation. Participants expressed concern over emerging threats such as the increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), evolving warfare technology, declining compliance, and challenges related to engagement with non-state actors, underscoring the need for renewed political commitment and strengthened multilateral action.
In concluding remarks, the Special Representative for the Protection of Civilians of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway stressed the urgent need to reverse normative backsliding on anti-personnel landmines. Emphasizing that their humanitarian consequences far outweigh any military value, she called for renewed commitment to the APMBC and multilateral efforts aimed at strengthening the protection of civilians.
(Photos are kindly provided by the Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations.)