Türkiye reaffirms commitment to global mine action efforts

Türkiye has sent a strong message to the international community on the UN-designated International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, pledging to maintain its active role in fighting the menace of landmines and unexploded remnants of war. The Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that Ankara will pursue its responsibilities at both the regional and global levels with unwavering determination.

Humanitarian approach at the forefront

In a written statement marking April 4, the ministry stressed that mines and unexploded ordnance continue to claim civilian lives for many years even after armed conflicts officially end. Türkiye, according to the statement, bases its mine action strategy on a clear humanitarian vision, prioritizing the safety of innocent populations trapped in former battle zones. The country has consistently warned that neglected minefields pose a long-term obstacle to development, agriculture, and the safe return of displaced communities.

Role under the Ottawa Convention

As a state party to the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, Türkiye actively supports international cooperation frameworks. The Turkish National Mine Action Center serves as the country’s main instrument in this regard, coordinating demining operations, training programs, and technical assistance for affected nations. Ankara’s commitment extends beyond its own borders, with Turkish experts having contributed to mine clearance efforts in several conflict-affected regions over the years.

A responsible actor on the global stage

The Foreign Ministry’s statement also highlighted that Türkiye will continue to fulfill its duties resolutely, without neglecting any of its humanitarian obligations. For Türkiye, which shares borders with regions still scarred by past wars and ongoing instability, the mine threat is not a distant issue but a pressing reality. By maintaining an active presence within the Ottawa Convention’s mechanisms, Ankara demonstrates that it remains a reliable and responsible stakeholder in global mine action, even as other international players sometimes fall short of their commitments.