Explanation of Vote of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On Draft Resolution L.5: “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition

of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their

Destruction”

First Committee, UNGA 76

New York, 1 November 2021

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. Chairman,

I have taken the floor to explain the vote of my delegation regarding the draft resolution L.5 on “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction”.

Anti-personnel mines have been used irresponsibly during the civil wars in certain regions of the world and consequently have claimed a great number of innocent lives, particularly among women and children. We welcome every effort to stop this trend. 

However, the Anti-personnel Mines Convention focuses mainly on humanitarian concerns and does not adequately take into account the legitimate military requirements of many countries, particularly those with long land borders, for the responsible and limited use of mines to defend their territories. 

Because of the difficulties related to monitoring extensive sensitive areas by established and permanent guarding posts or effective warning systems, unfortunately, anti-personnel mines continue to be the effective means for those countries to ensure the minimum-security requirements of their borders. 

While these defensive devices should be used under strictly established rules to protect civilians, more national and international efforts should also be made to explore new alternatives to such mines. 

My delegation appreciates the objectives of L.5. However, due to our particular concerns and considerations, we abstained in the voting on this draft resolution. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.