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HAMILTON, Canada

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday voiced grave concern over several countries’ recent steps to withdraw from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

"These announcements are particularly troubling, as it risks weakening civilian protection and undermining two decades of a normative framework that has saved countless lives," Guterres said in a statement.

The UN chief urged all states to "adhere to humanitarian disarmament treaties and immediately halt any steps towards their withdrawal."

He also appealed to the 32 states that have yet to join the convention to "do so without delay and to fully commit to its objectives."

"At a time when civilians face heightened risks from widening conflicts, it is imperative that we strengthen the frameworks that protect human life and dignity," he said.

Guterres also announced plans to launch a global campaign aimed at reinforcing humanitarian disarmament and accelerating mine action.

"To this end, I intend to launch a global campaign to uphold the norms of humanitarian disarmament, accelerate mine action as an enabler of human rights and sustainable development, and drive forward the vision of a mine-free world," he said.

He added that the campaign, to unfold over the next six months, will seek to "re-energize public support for disarmament" and encourage states to take concrete steps in support of humanitarian norms.

"The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. The protection of innocent lives depends on our collective action and commitment," he said.

The 1997 convention, also known as the Ottawa Treaty, bans the acquisition, production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of anti-personnel landmines.