27/06/2024 Session
PACE today expressed its concern about the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, especially landmines and cluster munitions. It underlined that such weapons often resulted in the forcible 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 Parliamentary Assembly denounced the long-term effects on victims, including physical, mental-health and psychosocial damage.
The resolution adopted based on the report by Domagoj Hajduković (Croatia, SOC) highlights the extensive damage caused by the use of explosive weapons, extending beyond the human toll to infrastructure, essential services, and the environment.
In order to remedy this situation, PACE 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, production, stockpiling or transfer of anti-personnel mines and of cluster munitions”. In this respect, it called on States to consider ratifying the various conventions on anti-personnel landmines and anti-cluster munitions. Additionally, PACE encouraged international co-operation to strengthen humanitarian demining efforts.
Furthermore, according to the adopted text, member States should facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return and reintegration of forcibly displaced persons, involving them in the conditions of their repatriation and providing sufficient assistance to cover their basic needs.