Finland presented the instrument of withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention

Finland presented the instrument of withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention on 10 July 2025. The withdrawal shall take effect in January 2026. Finland will continue its support for the humanitarian goals of the Convention.

The decision to withdraw from the Convention is based on Finland’s defence needs in the deteriorated security environment.  The withdrawal from the Convention will enable Finland to reintroduce anti-personnel mines to the range of its available means of defence.

Finland gave notice of withdrawal to all other States Parties of the Convention, to the Depositary of the Convention, that is the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and to the United Nations Security Council. The withdrawal shall take effect six months after the receipt of the instrument of withdrawal by the Depositary, in January 2026

The withdrawal will not affect Finland’s other obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, which will continue to be respected. Finland will continue its support for the humanitarian goals of the Ottawa Convention, as well as support for humanitarian mine action.