Model UN Background Guide

Committee: SPECPOL (GA4)

Topic: Mine Action and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) Clearance

Conference Year: 2025

1. Topic Background

Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) continue to pose significant humanitarian, developmental, and security challenges worldwide. Mines and ERW—such as unexploded ordnance (UXO), abandoned explosive devices, and cluster munitions—remain active hazards long after conflicts end, causing civilian casualties, limiting access to land for agriculture and development, and undermining post-conflict recovery.

The issue of mine action and ERW clearance has been on the international agenda since the late 20th century, gaining prominence following the widespread use of landmines in conflicts such as those in Cambodia, Angola, and the Balkans. The 1997 Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty) marked a milestone by prohibiting anti-personnel mines and promoting clearance and victim assistance. However, not all states are parties to this treaty, and new conflicts continue to generate ERW contamination.

In recent years, the persistence of armed conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, and parts of Africa has led to renewed contamination, complicating humanitarian access and post-conflict reconstruction. The global community’s focus has expanded beyond anti-personnel mines to include ERW clearance, risk education, victim assistance, and stockpile destruction.

The topic is on SPECPOL’s 2025 agenda because of the increasing complexity of mine action in protracted conflicts, the need to enhance international cooperation and funding, and emerging challenges such as the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the impact of new technologies on detection and clearance. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) and Goal 3 (good health and well-being), underscore the importance of mine action in achieving broader development and peacebuilding objectives.

2. Key Actors

States:

• Cambodia and Angola: Longstanding affected states with extensive mine contamination; leaders in advocating for increased clearance and victim assistance.
• Ukraine: A recent and heavily affected state due to ongoing conflict, with urgent needs for clearance and international support.
• Colombia: Significant progress in mine clearance post-conflict but remains a major focus for victim assistance and risk education.
• Russia and the United States: Non-parties to the Mine Ban Treaty but influential in shaping international mine action policies and funding.
• China and India: Large states with varying levels of engagement; not parties to the Mine Ban Treaty but involved in regional mine action initiatives.

International Organizations:

• United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS): The primary UN body coordinating mine action globally, including clearance, risk education, and victim assistance.
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Provides humanitarian assistance related to ERW victims and advocates for adherence to international humanitarian law.
• Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD): Offers technical expertise and capacity-building support to mine-affected states.
• Mine Ban Treaty Implementation Support Unit: Supports states parties in fulfilling treaty obligations and promotes universalization.
• Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC): An NGO network advocating for the clearance of cluster munitions and victim support.

3. Bloc Positions

1. Affected States Bloc:
Countries with significant contamination such as Cambodia, Angola, Colombia, and Ukraine. This bloc prioritizes increased international funding, technical assistance, and accelerated clearance operations. They often call for enhanced victim assistance and the integration of mine action into broader development and peacebuilding agendas. They advocate for universal adherence to the Mine Ban Treaty and other relevant instruments.

2. Non-Party States Bloc:
Includes countries like the United States, Russia, China, and India. These states often emphasize the importance of balancing humanitarian concerns with military and security considerations. They may support clearance and victim assistance but resist full treaty obligations, citing sovereignty or security imperatives. This bloc often promotes voluntary national measures and regional cooperation rather than binding international commitments.

3. Donor and Technical Assistance States Bloc:
Primarily Western European states such as Norway, Germany, and Switzerland, along with Japan and South Korea. This group emphasizes funding, capacity-building, and technological innovation in mine action. They advocate for strict adherence to international norms and encourage universalization of relevant treaties. They often push for comprehensive approaches that include risk education and victim assistance.

4. Regional and Emerging Actors Bloc:
Includes states from regions with emerging mine action needs, such as African Union members and Middle Eastern countries affected by recent conflicts (e.g., Iraq, Lebanon). This bloc focuses on regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and integrating mine action into broader regional security frameworks. They may emphasize the need for tailored approaches reflecting local contexts and capacities.

4. Past UN Action

• Resolution 60/97 (2005): Emphasized the importance of mine action in post-conflict recovery and development, calling for increased international cooperation.
• Resolution 70/50 (2015): Highlighted the need for victim assistance and integration of mine action into development strategies, reaffirming support for the Mine Ban Treaty.
• Resolution 74/29 (2019): Focused on the challenges posed by ERW and cluster munitions, urging member states to strengthen clearance efforts and cooperation.
• Resolution 77/99 (2022): Addressed the impact of new conflicts on mine contamination, calling for enhanced funding and innovation in detection and clearance technologies.
• Secretary-General’s reports on mine action (annual): Provide updates on global mine action efforts, challenges, and recommendations for UN engagement and member states.

5. Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the international community enhance coordination and funding mechanisms to support mine action and ERW clearance in both longstanding and emerging conflict zones?
2. What measures can be taken to promote universal adherence to the Mine Ban Treaty and related instruments, including the Convention on Cluster Munitions?
3. How can victim assistance programs be improved and integrated into national health and social services, especially in heavily affected states?
4. What role should new technologies (e.g., drones, AI-based detection) play in improving the efficiency and safety of clearance operations?
5. How can mine risk education be effectively expanded to reach vulnerable populations, including children and displaced persons?
6. What strategies can be implemented to address the challenges posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other non-conventional ERW?
7. How can regional cooperation frameworks be strengthened to share best practices, technical expertise, and resources for mine action?

6. Further Reading

• UN Documents: Annual reports of the Secretary-General on mine action, General Assembly resolutions on mine clearance and ERW, and official statements from UNMAS provide authoritative insights into UN policies, ongoing challenges, and recommended actions. These documents offer a comprehensive overview of the UN’s role and member states’ commitments.

• Think-Tank Reports: Research and policy analysis from organizations such as the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the International Crisis Group provide in-depth assessments of technical, political, and humanitarian aspects of mine action. These reports often include case studies, technological evaluations, and recommendations for policy and operational improvements.

• News Outlets and Specialized Media: Coverage from international news agencies (e.g., Reuters, BBC), humanitarian news platforms (e.g., IRIN News, Humanitarian News), and defense/security-focused publications offer real-time updates on mine contamination incidents, clearance operations, and political developments affecting mine action. These sources help contextualize the issue within current global events and conflicts.

This background guide aims to provide delegates with a detailed understanding of the complexities surrounding mine action and ERW clearance, equipping them to engage effectively in SPECPOL’s 2025 deliberations.