Pope Francis condemned the use of anti-personnel mines for their impact on civilians and children after conflicts have ended.
His remarks came before the 25th anniversary of the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty, aimed at banning landmines.
He expressed sympathy for victims of these devices, emphasizing the toll of wars on civilian populations.
“They remind us of the dramatic cruelty of wars, and the price civilian populations are forced to bear,” he said.
The Pope thanked those involved in demining and assisting victims. He said their work is a “concrete response to the universal call to be peacemakers, taking care of our brothers and sisters.”
He referenced the Ottawa Convention, noting it has 164 State Parties. However, 35 countries, including major powers, have not joined, affecting global demining efforts.
The Landmine Monitor report indicated that in 2022, landmines and explosive remnants of war affected 4,710 people across 49 states and territories. Civilians, including children, were 85 percent of casualties.
Countries like Syria and Ukraine saw high casualties, with Ukraine experiencing a significant increase amid its conflict.
Pope Francis’s comments underline the ongoing issue of landmines and the need for global action to address their threat.
