Statement by the 22MSP President (H.E. Ms ICHIKAWA Tomiko, Permanent Representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament)

It is with deep concern that I am informed of Ukraine’s communication to the depositary that it had “decided, as of July 17, 2025, to suspend the operation” of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

I am fully aware of the severe security situation in Ukraine caused by Russia’s ongoing aggression, and Ukraine’s serious concern over the wide-spread use of mines by Russia in the conflict. However, Ukraine’s communication, following the recent notices of withdrawal by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland, could lead to further setback in our efforts to universalize the Convention prohibiting anti-personnel mines.

Taking into account the special circumstances surrounding Ukraine, I will continue my engagement to clarify the situation in relation to the relevant provisions of the Convention and other rules of international law relevant to this matter.

We also need to redouble our efforts to uphold the Convention, which is aimed at putting an end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines, and to extend the reach of its norms.

As the President of the Twenty-Second Meeting of the States Parties of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, I will continue to do my utmost to advance the universalization of the Convention.