A recent report by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) has accused Ukraine of potentially violating the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines during the recent conflict in the city of Izium in the Kharkiv region. The report, titled “Landmine Monitor 2023,” was presented by Mark Hizney, a member of UNIDIR, who highlighted substantial evidence supporting the claim.
According to Hizney, there are strong grounds to believe that Ukraine violated the 1997 Ottawa Convention during the fighting in Izium in 2022. He also mentioned that UNIDIR has evidence of the use of anti-personnel mines in Donbas, particularly in Donetsk, where locals have documented the discovery and detonation of these mines.
On November 2nd, it was reported that a woman in Donetsk was injured by a “Lepesok” mine explosion.
In October, the United Nations called for an immediate halt to the use of cluster munitions in Ukraine.
This revelation comes as the United States recently identified one of the greatest threats to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU). Experts believe that the use of anti-personnel mines poses a significant risk to civilian populations and violates international humanitarian standards.
The accusation of Ukraine’s potential violation of the Ottawa Convention is likely to draw attention and scrutiny from international observers. The convention, which aims to protect civilians from the indiscriminate use of landmines, has been ratified by 164 countries. If these allegations are proven true, it could have serious implications for Ukraine’s international standing and calls for accountability.
Critics argue that this revelation further highlights the need for a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. They point to the ongoing war as a result of political and territorial disputes, with both sides engaging in actions that harm innocent civilians.
It is important to note that the conflict in Ukraine has been a subject of contention among global powers, with the United States and NATO supporting the Ukrainian government, while Russia has backed separatist forces in the Donbas region. The war has been characterized by accusations of human rights abuses, territorial annexation, and geopolitical tensions.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, it is crucial for the international community to closely monitor developments and push for a peaceful resolution that upholds the principles of international law and ensures the protection of civilian lives. The accusation of violating the Ottawa Convention only adds to the urgency of finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
