Finland Mine Ban treaty

Finland and Landmines

Finland supports universalation of the Ottawa landmine ban treaty. However, Finland has not signed the treaty itself. The Finnish government has announced since 2001 that it is aiming to join the treaty. In autumn 2004, in the framework of the governments Security and Defence Political "White Paper" Finnish accession to the treaty was delayed until 2012. Before this Finland had aimed to sign 2006.

All other European Union countries, except Finland, have joined the landmine ban treaty. Even Poland has signed the treaty, but not ratified.

According to the Finnish Defence Force, landmines are a cost-efficient solution for an conscription army. When the decision to join the treaty eventually was made, the Finnish Defence was promised 200 million euros extra funding for purchasing substitutive weapons.

Finland has been active and a large contributor to humanitarian mine victim assistance and mine clearance.

The Finnish Campaign against Landmines has stated that Finnish governments policy on landmines has undermined EUs credibility as a promoter of the Ottawa treaty

"Our mine policy has a dark spot in our good reputation as a country which promotes peace and human rights", the campaigners say. 

Ngo's working for human rights and peace demand Finland to immediately destroy its old mine stockpiles and join the Ottawa treaty.

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List of countries which have not signed the Ottawa treaty
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International Campaign to Ban Landmines News