There are newly planted landmines along humanitarian corridors that were supposed to be designed for the safe evacuation of civilians, children.
The Halo Trust reports indiscriminate use of explosives and cluster munitions by Russian troops and a lethal tide of unexploded devices now litter on streets. Russian troops used in urban areas cluster munition missiles and air bombs with mines, which are prohibited by international and Ukrainian law. Russian troops are using PFM-1 air-dropped anti-personnel mines, also known as butterfly mines. These small plastic munitions, each weighing less than two ounces, are scattered by the thousand over a wide area.
The mines come in several colors, including the bright green version which gave it the ‘green parrot’ nickname. Lying by the road, it might be a toy bird or airplane. In Afghanistan, where literally millions were dropped, they were often picked up by children. These munitions are now maiming children.
Russia used mine surprise and booby traps which are prohibited by law according to the Protocol II Geneva Treaty. A booby trap is a device that is intended to kill, harm, or surprise a human being.
This is a military crime against humanity that must be investigated by the International Criminal Court in Hague.
Ukraine signed and ratified all treaties and conventions against using landmines. Ukraine signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 24 February 1999 and ratified it on 27 December 2005, becoming a State Party on 1 June 2006. The Ottawa Convention also referred to as the “Mine Ban Treaty,” prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines (APLs).
Using landmines on Ukrainian territories is a crime according to international and national law. The Russian Federation has not acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty.
Peace Ambassador
Angelika Ewa Jarosławska Sapieha
