MAG welcomes the news that Lebanon has officially joined the Mine Ban Treaty by depositing its formal instrument of accession to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). In doing so, it becomes the 162nd state party to the treaty, reaffirming its commitment to prohibiting the production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. This coincides with significant international focus on achieving a durable ceasefire in Lebanon.
MAG CEO Darren Cormack said: "Lebanon’s accession to the APMBC comes at a critical time, when commitment to international norms and humanitarian principles is being tested, and narratives about the perceived military benefits of landmines are resurfacing. In this context, it is important to highlight that a country currently facing conflict has chosen to prioritise the rule of law and protection of civilians. This decision is a clear affirmation that international humanitarian law must not be set aside in times of conflict; instead, these challenging times are when it should be most steadfastly upheld."
Lebanon brings to the Convention not only political will but direct experience, as a state directly responding to the impact of landmines, cluster munitions and other weapons on community safety and human security. In addition to the legacy of contamination from previous civil and regional conflict, recent hostilities have increased and further highlighted the direct threat posed by explosive ordnance contamination, contributing to displacement and damage to vital infrastructure.
Before accession, Lebanon had long acted in line with the spirit of the Convention, as well as taking a leading role as a State Party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, demonstrating commitment to the principles of humanitarian protection and human rights underpinning both treaties. This work has been led by the Lebanon Mine Action Centre (LMAC), which sits within the structure of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
MAG has worked in Lebanon since 2001, clearing landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war and delivering risk education. Since 2018, our programme expanded to support the LAF in strengthening weapons and ammunition management. This work plays an essential role in creating the conditions needed for durable peace in Lebanon and in the wider region. With all eyes and hopes looking to a strong and stable Lebanon, the national commitment in this area is complemented by the positive news of APMBC accession. This is a powerful reminder of the role all national institutions, including the security forces, must play in upholding international law – and that protecting national security is complementary to, rather than at odds with, protection of the most vulnerable communities.
We call on the international community, particularly States Parties in a position to provide support, to respond in a timely and effective manner to Lebanon’s accession. As efforts to universalise the APMBC and CCM continue, it is essential to demonstrate that support is available to states taking on new obligations, even as they respond to crisis.
