The Ukrainian office of Amnesty International, led by Director and CEO Veronika Velch, has addressed recent concerns regarding the provision of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine by the United States. Velch emphasised that the international human rights organisation holds no objections to Ukraine’s use of these weapons for self-defence, highlighting the nuanced stance of the organisation on this sensitive issue.
The discussion follows a decision by the Biden administration to supply Ukraine with anti-personnel mines as part of ongoing efforts to bolster the country’s defence against Russian military aggression. This move has sparked criticism from Amnesty International’s U.S. branch, which condemned the decision as “reckless” and urged a reassessment of the policy.
Velch, in a Facebook post, shed light on the matter, underscoring that Amnesty International’s critique is directed at the U.S. administration’s perceived erosion of international humanitarian law standards, not at Ukraine’s actions or intentions.
In her post, Velch wrote:
“I recently spoke with representatives from Amnesty International USA, who issued the statement on anti-personnel mines. Their position is clear: the Biden administration has consistently lowered thresholds concerning the application of international humanitarian law. This critique, however, pertains to U.S. obligations, not Ukraine.”
Velch further acknowledged the risks associated with anti-personnel mines, noting their long-term danger to civilians, particularly children, even decades after conflicts end. Nevertheless, she argued that the immediate imperative of defending Ukrainian civilians from aggression justifies their use. “Choosing between the horrific long-term consequences of anti-personnel mines and the immediate effects of occupation, I am confident that anything enabling the protection of Ukrainian civilians from aggression, torture, and physical destruction deserves to exist,” she stated.
The decision to supply anti-personnel mines aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense’s assessment of evolving Russian tactics on the battlefield. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin defended the move, citing the need to reinforce Ukraine’s defensive capabilities amid changing conditions at the front.
Amnesty International’s global position on anti-personnel mines remains consistent with its advocacy for a complete ban, as enshrined in the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits the use, production, and transfer of such weapons. The United States is notably not a signatory to the treaty, though Ukraine is.
Velch highlighted the inherent limitations of international law in addressing such complex scenarios, describing it as “fairly faceless” while acknowledging its importance in questions of justice. She reiterated Amnesty International’s commitment to the principles of international humanitarian law while recognising the exceptional circumstances of Ukraine’s defensive war.
