The United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by Algeria titled “Impact of Anti-Personnel Mines on the Full Enjoyment of All Human Rights” on Friday, coinciding with the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
This adoption marks a significant advancement in recognizing the humanitarian, social, and economic repercussions of anti-personnel mines, reaffirming the international community’s renewed commitment to supporting victims and affected nations.
Initiated by Algeria during its term on the Council (2022-2025), this resolution was presented as part of a trans-regional core group that includes South Africa, Croatia, Mozambique, Peru, the United Kingdom, and Vanuatu.
In his statement, Algeria’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Rachid Bladehane, emphasized the constructive, inclusive, and transparent approach taken throughout the consultations regarding this resolution.
With the support of its core group, Algeria sought to unite the Council around this critical issue, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility.
The adopted text highlights the devastating effects of landmines on the rights to life, security, freedom of movement, access to education, and development. It calls for increased demining efforts, enhanced assistance for victims, and a stronger commitment from states towards achieving a total ban on anti-personnel mines.
Through this initiative, Algeria reaffirms its dedication to international instruments in this domain, particularly the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, and stresses the necessity for greater international cooperation to realize a mine-free world.
The international community has welcomed this initiative, acknowledging the importance of continuously raising awareness about this scourge that still denies thousands of people their fundamental rights.
This adoption conveys a powerful message: the fight against anti-personnel mines is a humanitarian imperative and a priority for the protection of human rights.
The resolution urges all states to strengthen and enhance their commitment to fulfilling obligations under international law, human rights, and international humanitarian law.
It also calls upon state parties to international treaties, particularly the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, to fully comply with their obligations.
Furthermore, it encourages states to engage in coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts to ensure that the needs of survivors of landmine explosions—especially children, their families, and communities—are adequately addressed, promoting and protecting their rights.
The resolution additionally invites states, international organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders to collaborate closely in sharing knowledge, information, resources, and best practices related to demining and victim assistance.
Moreover, it underscores the importance of education and awareness regarding the dangers posed by anti-personnel mines, particularly in affected areas, advocating for the integration of mine risk education into broader educational and awareness programs.
The resolution further urges the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report in collaboration with states, international organizations, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders. This report aims to provide a comprehensive and inclusive analysis of the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights.
