The number of deaths from land-mines increased significantly in 2024. In many regions where even wars seem like a distant past, the danger of “forgotten” landmines remains present, impacting the lives of many people trying to rebuild their lives. Recent reports show that, while new conflicts emerge and countries move away from international treaties, the number of fatal incidents in this context increases significantly.
Land-mine tragedies intensify as withdrawal from treaties reshapes global landscape
The upward trend in deaths and injuries caused by land-mines is, of course, not random. It stems from a context of escalating and protracted conflicts without imminent solutions, as well as political decisions that abandon the global effort to ban these weapons. In 2024, more than six thousand incidents were recorded worldwide, resulting in death and permanent disability for thousands of families. Almost 90% of the victims were civilians, and half of them were women and children.
An example that illustrates this tragedy is the situation in Syria. The return of residents to cities that were under conflict for years also brought unexpected dangers. Most find not only ruins, but soil contaminated by unexploded ordnance, presenting a context of constant insecurity and fear for the population.
Escalating conflicts and indiscriminate use increase the risks for civilians
The case of Myanmar goes even further. In 2024, more than two thousand people were injured or killed in the country, making it the worst global hotspot. The intensification of violence between the army and armed groups has led to an explosion in the use of anti-personnel mines. The impact of the consequences of these conflicts is being felt in the daily lives of the population, impacting everything from rural communities to leisure and rest time for children and the elderly on the streets.
European withdrawals and military pressures challenge decades-old global ban
Besides the remnants of conflicts, the second force behind this increase is political. Since the creation of the Ottawa Convention, European countries have been withdrawing from the treaty. Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and later Ukraine, announced processes of withdrawal or suspension. The official justification is the same: growing threats from Russia and the need to strengthen defenses.
The treaty, created in 1999, was a significant turning point, as it prohibited the production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of anti-personnel mines. Furthermore, it encouraged the cleanup of contaminated areas, thus helping to save lives. By abandoning it, governments demonstrate an understanding that in times of military tension, humanitarian concerns cease to be a priority.
The main argument in favor of using land-mines is that they help delay enemy territorial advances, even ignoring the fact that land-mines are not exactly “smart weapons,” in the sense that they are not necessarily aimed at an enemy soldier.
Fading funding undermines demining, survivor support and humanitarian programmes
Further complicating the situation, this scenario worsens when international resources decrease. In 2024, demining and survivor assistance programs suffered, which also justifies the high number of deaths that year. The United States, traditionally one of the largest funders of humanitarian projects, significantly reduced its external support.
Besides the lack of money, the recent use of land-mines in border disputes — such as the accusations between Thailand and Cambodia — is an example that shows that the problem is not limited to traditionally unstable regions. It returns to areas where it seemed to have been overcome, reigniting debates and straining diplomatic negotiations.
The increase in deaths from land-mines should be treated as a humanitarian issue. In a scenario where treaties are abandoned that reduce the use of these devices and budgets for support programs are decreased, ordinary lives are at the center of risk. And with that, the chaos and fear generated by war end up extending even after it has ended.
