Syria and Landmines

By Lena Garrettson on 04/04/2012 @ 04:30 PM

Tags: Peaceful Prevention, Landmines

Landmines have been banned by the majority of the world because, like cluster munitions, they disproportionately and invariably cause devastating harm to innocent civilians.

While the world marks International Landmine Awareness Day today, Syria has started using these devastating weapons along its borders with Turkey and Lebanon.

On March 14, US Ambassador Susan Rice and the State Department both described reports of Syria's use of landmines as "horrific." The Director of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) stated that they "are outraged to see Syria using antipersonnel mines against its own people, adding to the already dire humanitarian crisis Syrian civilians are facing." The ICBL has called on U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, who spoke out fervently against landmines during his time as U.N. Secretary General, to condemn this atrocity during a recent visit to the region.

Even though the United States largely complies with the Mine Ban Treaty's provisions, it is one of the 37 countries that have yet to join. Take action and write a letter to urge President Obama to join the Mine Ban Treaty.

Resources and Recommended reading:

• CNN report: "Syrians try to clear antipersonnel mines near Turkish border"
• Human Rights Watch: "US: Follow Up Rebuke to Syria on Landmines."
• BBC News Middle East: "Syria laying landmines along borders"
• The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL): "ICBL urges world to protest Syria's use of landmines"
• Care.org: FAQ about Landmines