Accra, Ghana – Delegates from various nations, organizations and stakeholders convened in Accra, Ghana, for the Regional Conference on Addressing the Humanitarian Impact of Improvised Anti-Personnel Mines. The Conference hosted by the Small Arms Commission in partnership with the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention with support from the European Union (EU), heralded as a critical platform for dialogue and action against the devastating consequences wrought by anti-personal landmines.
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, in his keynote speech underscored the urgent need for collective efforts to confront the humanitarian crisis triggered by improvised anti-personnel mines.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted the pivotal role of the Mine Ban Treaty in addressing the menace of anti-personnel mines, emphasizing its four core aims: universal adherence, clearance of mined areas, destruction of stockpiled mines, and assistance to victims. With 164 State Parties, including Ghana, the convention’s implementation reflects significant progress, although greater participation is urged.
The Landmine Monitor’s 2022 report highlighted the grim toll of landmines, with at least 4,710 individuals killed or injured in 49 states, predominantly civilians and children. Approximately 60 countries continue to grapple with landmine contamination, with 24 States Parties afflicted by improvised mine contamination, exacerbating humanitarian and security challenges. Despite the staggering expenses, the commitment to mine clearance is evident, with over 55 million stockpiled mines destroyed by States Parties, signalling substantial financial investment in convention implementation.
The insidious nature of improvised anti-personnel mines poses a grave threat to civilians, particularly in conflict-affected regions, inflicting lasting physical and psychological harm while hindering socio-economic development and peace-building efforts. Dr. Bawumia called upon States not yet Party to the Convention to strive towards ratification, emphasizing the imperative of collective action in addressing the humanitarian impact of improvised anti-personnel mines. Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a world free from landmines, urging compliance with legal instruments to prevent further human suffering and foster a safer, more secure world for all.
