The Finnish government’s decision to prepare for withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines risks weakening international law and damaging Finland’s global reputation, Amnesty Finland said on Monday.
The treaty, which prohibits the use, production, storage and transfer of anti-personnel mines, has been in force in Finland since 2012. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced last week that the government would begin drafting legislation to leave the agreement. “This is a deeply inconsistent and dangerous move,” said Frank Johansson, Executive Director of Amnesty Finland. “There is no such thing as responsible use of landmines. Their very nature is indiscriminate and they continue to maim civilians long after conflicts have ended.”
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Source: Helsinki Times
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