62nd session of the Human Rights Council
Joint Statement during the ID of the OHCHR on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights delivered by H.E. Mr. Idris Latreche, Permanent Representative of Algeria.
Short version for delivery
26 June 2026
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the core group of the resolution 58/22, namely Algeria, Croatia, Mozambique, Peru, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Vanuatu. This statement has been endorsed by 60 other countries.
We wish to extend our appreciation to the OHCHR for presenting this report.
Mr. President,
The human rights impact of anti-personnel mines extends far beyond their immediate effects, with severe consequences for survivors, their families and communities.
Anti-personnel mines, including as remnants of armed conflict, continue to pose a grave threat to the enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, including the rights to life, freedom of movement, education, work, adequate food and the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health. Their presence can also cause harm to ecosystems and impedes sustainable development.
The impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights is felt most acutely in developing countries, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which often bear the enduring legacy of mine contamination while lacking sufficient financial and technical capacities for mine clearance and victim assistance. The considerable socioeconomic costs associated with anti-personnel mine contamination further impede sustainable development and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.
These challenges are further aggravated by a significant decrease in international support for demining efforts and victim assistance.
Mr. President,
These findings remind us that anti-personnel mines cannot be addressed solely as a security or disarmament issue. Their impact also constitutes a profound humanitarian challenge with human rights implications that requires a comprehensive and victim-centred approach.
Addressing the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights requires close collaboration among States, international organizations, civil society, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders in sharing knowledge and expertise, relevant information, resources and best practices in demining and victim support, with a focus on ensuring that survivors receive the necessary medical care, psycho-social support, rehabilitation services and opportunities for social reintegration and their full and equal inclusion in society.
Such efforts should also contribute to strengthening the implementation of, and commitment to international humanitarian law and international human rights law in particular the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other relevant international instruments, as well as enhancing awareness-raising initiatives on the grave and long-term consequences of anti-personnel mines, which continue to pose a serious threat and can undermine the full enjoyment of fundamental human rights.
We also underline the importance of ensuring that the rights and needs of victims and affected communities remain at the centre of international efforts and responses, with particular attention given to the most vulnerable groups. As part of this process, it is vital that victims and affected communities are at the centre of these initiatives, in keeping with the maxim “nothing about us without us”.
Mr President,
We therefore call for renewed political commitment, including by joining relevant conventions and treaties such as the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention, and strengthened international cooperation to address the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of human rights.
The cost of inaction is simply too high.
We further reaffirm our collective commitment to the protection of the dignity, rights and future of the victims and affected communities.
The legacy of anti-personnel mines should not continue to define the future of the humanity and generations yet to come.
History will judge us not by the statements we deliver nor by the resolutions we adopt, but by the concrete measures we take to save lives and prevent suffering.
I thank you,