Finnish Parliament backs withdrawal from anti-personnel mine ban treaty

Finland’s parliamentary defence committee has endorsed the country’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines.

The committee argues that, given the current security situation, Finland should reintegrate anti-personnel mines into its defence strategy, Caliber.Az reports, citing finnish media.

On May 28, the Finnish government approved a proposal to exit the Ottawa Convention and submitted it to Parliament for final approval.

To recall, the Ottawa Convention, formally known as the Mine Ban Treaty, is an international agreement that prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. It was adopted in 1997 and entered into force on March 1, 1999. 

The treaty also requires states to destroy existing stockpiles and assist mine victims.

It emerged from a global campaign led by civil society groups and was strongly supported by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which, alongside activist Jody Williams, was awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.

As of 2025, the treaty has over 160 state parties, including most of Europe, Africa, and Latin America. However, major military powers such as the United States, Russia, and China have not joined.

The Ottawa Convention has significantly contributed to a global reduction in landmine use and has facilitated clearance efforts in affected regions, though challenges remain in areas of ongoing conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev