UNGA80 First Committee cluster IV
Resolution L.30 “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction”
Explanation of Vote on behalf of Estonia, delivered by Mr Ott Laido, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Estonia
New York, 4 November 2025
Thank you, Chair,
I am delivering this explanation of vote on the resolution L.30 entitled ‘Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction’.
At the outset, we would like to thank Japan for the resolution and reaffirm our support to the humanitarian objectives of the Convention.
Estonia has decided to abstain on the resolution, in light of our recent decision, to withdraw from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. On 27 June 2025, Estonia officially notified the Depositary, all States Parties, and the members of the United Nations Security Council of this decision. The withdrawal was undertaken in full accordance with the procedure set out in the Convention, and will enter into force on 28 December 2025.
The decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention was taken, based on a thorough reassessment of our national security needs, prompted by the drastically changed security environment in our region. Estonia shares its eastern border with the Russian Federation, a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, which continues its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.
Russia is acting in blatant violation of international law, including the fundamental principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, by using military force to pursue its aggressive expansionist aims. This unlawful aggression, combined with the continuous use of hybrid warfare tactics elsewhere in Europe, has fundamentally destabilized the European security order, and poses a grave threat to neighboring states, including Estonia.
Our decision to abstain reflects current legal and security circumstances, and does not alter our continued adherence to international humanitarian law. We remain fully committed to taking all feasible measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflict.
Despite our withdrawal, we continue to support international cooperation and assistance, aimed at addressing the humanitarian consequences of anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war. Estonia has long supported humanitarian demining activities, both bilaterally and through its contributions to international organizations. We remain firmly committed to supporting humanitarian mine action and the fulfilment of our international obligations.
I thank you, Chair.