The Return of Landmines: A Symbol of Eroding Global Norms

Parliament approved the withdrawal of the Treaty by a large majority and the decision must enter into force six months after Latvia officially informs the United Nations.

One of Russia's four neighbouring countries quits the Ottawa agreement. The reason: In case of emergency, they want to use landmines against Putin.

The Return of Landmines: A Symbol of Eroding Global Norms

Unexploded ordnance clearance in Ukraine, the most heavily mined place in the world as Russia’s invasion persists since 2014. The essayist, who campaigned for the Ottawa convention banning landmines, writes that the numerous European countries now withdrawing from that treaty reflects “genuine existential fear among nations” living in Moscow’s shadow.  When international norms collapse, people die. This isn’t academic theory — it’s the stark rea…

The Latvian parliament has decided to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning the use of anti-personnel mines, becoming the first country in the Baltic region to do so. The government's bill was supported by 66 out of 100 deputies, while 14 were against.

On April 16, the Parliament of Latvia adopted in final reading the draft law on the withdrawal of the country from the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, accumulation and production of anti-personnel mines

The Latvian parliament has approved Riga's withdrawal from the international convention banning anti-personnel mines, citing Latvia's need to strengthen its security amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Agence France-Presse reported. "Withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention will give our armed forces room for manoeuvre in the event of a military threat and will allow them to use all possible means to protect our citizens," said Inara Murniece, chai…