HRW alerts Ukraine to possible use of banned mines in Izium region
Vasily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, brandishes a PFM-1 “Petal” mine which he says is left in Russian-held territory by Ukrainian forces, in August 2022 in New York.
Getty Images via AFP - MICHAEL M. SANTIAGO
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These are particularly sneaky weapons that do not distinguish between civilians and combatants NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns Ukraine against “
apparent use
” by its armed forces of banned anti-personnel mines in the region of Izioum, in the east of the country.
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The NGO conducted an investigation, just after the departure of Russian troops in this region occupied for nearly six months by the Russian army.
She claims to have interviewed more than 100 witnesses.
While recalling that the Russian forces, for their part, have used antipersonnel mines in many regions of Ukraine, Human Rights Watch claims to have documented numerous cases of "butterfly mines" of Soviet manufacture.
If the Russian army seemed to be the target, these weapons caused casualties among the population.
According to the health services interviewed by the organization, around fifty civilians, including at least five children, were probably injured by these mines during or after the Russian occupation.
More than 20 people had to be amputated.
The NGO points out that these non-neutralized landmines cause displacement, hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid and prevent agricultural activities.
It asks the Ukrainian authorities to open an investigation and destroy the stocks.
"
Russian forces have repeatedly used anti-personnel mines and committed atrocities across the country, but this does not justify Ukraine's use of these prohibited weapons
," the NGO wrote in its report.
On Telegram, the Ukrainian commissioner for human rights, Dmytro Lubinets, affirms for his part that “
Ukraine respects its international obligations (…) and has always shown itself ready to accept investigations
”.
►
The HRW report to read here in English
►Also read: Ukraine: Moscow uses at least seven types of antipersonnel mines, according to the Landmine Observatory
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