We want our mines back
A citizens' initiative proposing Finland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines, has advanced to parliament after gathering over 50,000 signatures. The initiative, signed by prominent figures in foreign and defence policy, argues for restoring Finland's independence to adapt its defence measures to current security challenges, particularly related to the shared border with Russia. Finland joined the convention in 2012, dismantling over a million mines and aligning with 26 other EU member states in committing to a ban aimed at preventing civilian harm.
The Ottawa Convention, designed to prevent the long-term dangers of landmines, embodies a global commitment to humane warfare. However, Finland's security concerns, heightened by Russia's war against Ukraine, have reignited the debate over reintroducing landmines. Proponents argue that landmines could serve as a critical deterrent against large-scale invasions. Critics, however, warn that reversing the ban would undermine Finland's international commitments, risk civilian safety, and damage its moral standing on warfare.