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UN Chief Warns Against Baltic Nations Leaving Mine Treaty

7/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, raised urgent concerns over Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine's intentions to exit the Ottawa Convention against anti-personnel mines. He emphasized that this move threatens international humanitarian law and endangers civilian lives, as Ukraine points to Russia's aggression and severe landmine contamination as justifications for its decision.

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Story summary

Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, raised urgent concerns over Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine's intentions to exit the Ottawa Convention against anti-personnel mines. He emphasized that this move threatens international humanitarian law and endangers civilian lives, as Ukraine points to Russia's aggression and severe landmine contamination as justifications for its decision.