Author(s):
Sylvie Brigot <brigotSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org> .
ukraine,
Wednesday 25 January 2006
On 27 December 2005, Ukraine deposited its instrument of ratification of the Mine Ban Treaty with the Secretary General of the United Nations. The treaty will enter into force for Ukraine on 1 June 2006. Ukraine’s ratification is an important step for the universalisation of the treaty, both internationally and in the region. Ukraine will become the 148th State Party to the treaty, and the fifth member from the Commonwealth of Independent States, joining Belarus, Moldova, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Ukraine first signed the Mine Ban Treaty on on 24 February 1999, and its Parliament approved ratification in May 2005.
Ukraine’s decision to join the treaty is also notable because Ukraine has the fourth largest stockpile of antipersonnel mines in the world. Ukraine currently has 5.95 million PFM antipersonnel mines, all inherited from the former Soviet Union. The treaty obligates Ukraine to destroy its stockpiled mines as soon as possible, but no later than 1 June 2010. Ukraine already destroyed all of its 405,000 PMN mines in 2002 and 2003.
Minister of Defence and Commander of Ukrainian Navy Admiral Igor Knyaz visited stokpiles in Sevastopol on 30 April 2005
Ukraine’s deadline for submission of its first transparency report under Article 7 of the treaty is 28 November 2006. Article 9 of the treaty requires that Ukraine undertake national implementation measures, including imposition of penal sanctions for violations.
Ukraine remains affected by mines and unexploded ordnance from World War II. Article 5 of the treaty requires clearance of all mined areas under Ukraine’s jurisdiction or control by 1 June 2016. On December 2005 the United Nations conducted a General Mine Action Assessment in Ukraine, including participation of NGOs. The country will also have to provide assistance to mine survivors, who are estimated to number up to 80,000 among Ukraine’s 300,000 disabled war veterans.
More information:
- Landmine Monitor Report on Ukraine
- Ukrainian CBL