Southeast Asia Concerns Grow as European Nations Withdraw from Landmine Treaty

The decision by several European countries to withdraw from the international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines has sparked significant apprehension in Southeast Asia, a region still grappling with the legacy of landmines from past conflicts. The treaty, formally known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty or Ottawa Convention, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, while obligating signatories to clear contaminated land and support victims.

Earlier this year, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland announced their intention to leave the treaty, citing defense requirements in response to heightened security concerns related to Russia. Ukraine also signaled its withdrawal as its ongoing conflict with Russia continues. The official exit of these countries from the treaty is expected by the end of the year.

Southeast Asia remains one of the world's most affected regions due to landmines, a result of decades of internal unrest and Cold War-era conflicts. Cambodia, for example, was once among the most heavily mined countries globally, with millions of landmines laid across its territory. While considerable progress has been achieved in recent years, including prospects of Cambodia being declared mine-free in the near future, the situation remains fragile for many communities.

Recent data from international monitoring organizations reveal a troubling increase in civilian casualties from landmines and explosive remnants of war. According to the latest Landmine Monitor report, over 6,000 incidents were documented globally in the past year, resulting in nearly 2,000 deaths and more than 4,000 injuries. Myanmar alone accounted for roughly a third of global landmine victims, as ongoing conflict there has led to new mine deployments by both government and non-state actors.

Historically, the European Union has played a significant role as a donor to global mine action efforts, second only to the United States. In 2024, the EU contributed approximately EUR110 million toward mine clearance operations worldwide. However, as European countries shift their stance on the treaty, questions arise regarding their continued leadership and influence in advocating for mine clearance and victim assistance, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia.

Analysts caution that the withdrawal of European democracies from the Ottawa Convention signals a weakening of the global consensus against the use of landmines. This development could potentially undermine humanitarian norms and embolden other states to reconsider their commitments, especially as landmines are once again being deployed in current conflicts such as those in Myanmar and along the Thai-Cambodian border.

While immediate impacts on regional demining activities may be limited, there are concerns about the long-term political and moral implications. Some experts note that the countries leaving the treaty are not among the primary funders of demining operations in Southeast Asia, and the EU as a whole is expected to maintain its financial support for mine action. However, the symbolic effect of these withdrawals could be significant, potentially providing justification for other states to resume or increase the use of landmines.

Adding to regional tensions, recent border incidents between Thailand and Cambodia have resulted in casualties and allegations of new landmine use, intensifying calls for independent investigations. The Thai government has requested a fact-finding mission under the Ottawa Convention to determine whether new mines have been planted in disputed areas.

For the people of Southeast Asia, where communities continue to face the threat of landmines in their daily lives, the departure of European states from the treaty raises fears that progress toward a mine-free world may be at risk. The situation underscores the ongoing need for international cooperation, robust humanitarian norms, and sustained support for mine clearance and victim assistance across the region.