Zagreb / Geneva, 9 March 2026 — The Republic of Croatia has announced that it is “mine-free” in fulfilment of its mine clearance obligation acquired as member of the landmark Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention), fulfilling one of the treaty’s core humanitarian commitments: the destruction of all anti-personnel mines in mined areas under its jurisdiction or control. With Croatia, there are now 32 States Parties that have completed this obligation under the Convention, eight (8) of them in Europe.
In announcing the achievement, Croatia stressed that completing clearance is both the fulfilment of a legal obligation and a profound humanitarian responsibility, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović:
“By completing our Article 5 obligations, Croatia is delivering on a promise made to its citizens back in 1998 when we accepted to be bound by this treaty. This achievement reflects decades of steady political will, national ownership and partnership with operators, and close cooperation with international partners in pursuit of a clear humanitarian goal — to remove the threat of anti-personnel mines and protect future generations.
After almost 30 years, we have completed the activity of destruction of all anti-personnel mines in mined areas. Almost 107,000 landmines and 470,000 unexploded ordnances have been found and destroyed. This is not just a technical success; it is a fulfilment of moral obligation towards the victims and their families.
To overcome the remaining obstacles in the international context concerning the Treaty implementation, we must build on what we have achieved and learned over almost three decades — and we must do it together. The Republic of Croatia will continue implementing its obligations under the Convention, with particular focus on mine victim assistance, advocacy, and international cooperation and assistance, contributing in the best possible way to the goal we all share: a mine-free world. Even in these challenging times, the humanitarian imperatives that brought us together remain paramount.”
Croatia also reaffirmed its continued support for the full implementation and universalization of the Convention, underscoring the enduring relevance of humanitarian disarmament commitments amid a complex and evolving international security environment.
Welcoming the announcement, the President of the Convention, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations in Geneva H.E. Eunice M. Tembo Luambia, congratulated Croatia on behalf of the States Parties:
“Croatia’s completion of its Article 5 obligations is a significant milestone for the Convention and for the global humanitarian disarmament community. It demonstrates that States Parties can honour their commitments and deliver tangible results for their citizens. I warmly congratulate Croatia on this achievement and commend its steadfast dedication to the Convention’s humanitarian objectives. As a former mine-affected country itself, Zambia understands all too well Croatia’s effort. Completion of its mine clearance obligation marks a defining step in its post-conflict recovery and is a powerful example of sustained commitment to humanitarian disarmament.”
Editorial note: The Convention was adopted in Oslo and signed in Ottawa in 1997, and entered into force twenty-seven years ago, on 1 March 1999. It is the prime humanitarian and disarmament treaty aimed at ending the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines by prohibiting their use, stockpiling, production, and transfer, ensuring their destruction, and assisting victims. Together, the States Parties have destroyed over 53 million anti-personnel mines. Implementation of the treaty has contributed to peace and development by making billions of square meters of land safe again for human activity and providing support to those that have fallen victim to the weapon.
For media questions regarding Croatia’s efforts to comply with the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, please contact the Croatia’s Ministry of the Interior at email: press@mup.hr. Visit the Croatian Ministry of the Interior website: https://mup.gov.hr, and Civil Protection Directorate website: civilna-zastita.gov.hr