30/05/2024 Migration, International Protection and Economic Co-operation
The Migration Committee, meeting in Paris today, expressed its concern about the use of explosive weapons in populated areas – particularly landmines – which often results in the displacement of people within and across borders, and later impedes their voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return. Referring to the civilians heavily affected by explosive weapons in Ukraine, the committee denounced the long-term effects on victims, including physical, mental-health and psychosocial damage.
Beyond the human toll, the use of explosive weapons has devastating effects on infrastructure (roads, schools, healthcare facilities and housing) and on the functioning of essential services (such as drinking water, food, gas and electricity supply systems), not to mention environmental damages, emphasises the report by Domagoj Hajduković (Croatia, SOC), adopted by the committee.
In order to remedy this situation, the committee called on member States to enact legislative measures to “ensure that both rural and urban territories are cleared of explosive remnants of war” and “prohibit under any circumstances the use, development and production of explosive weapons”. In this respect, it called on states to ratify and fully implement the various conventions on anti-personnel landmines and anti-cluster munitions. The committee also recommended the development of humanitarian demining operations, including international co-operation.
Furthermore, according to the draft resolution adopted, member States should facilitate the voluntary, safe and dignified return and reintegration of forcibly displaced persons, involving them on the conditions of their repatriation and providing sufficient assistance to cover their basic needs.
This report will be debated at the next PACE plenary Session (24-28 June 2024).