Latvia plans to ratify the UN Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War

On 28 April, the Government of Latvia ratified the draft law on the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which may be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, Protocol V.

With the law coming into effect, Latvia will then be subject to the UN Convention additional protocol which envisages national responsibility and practical implementation in the liquidation of the consequences of armed conflict.

The protocol requires states that are involved in armed conflicts to accept responsibility for the territories under their control and to clear and neutralise Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and to provide warnings to civilians of the dangers of these devices, including the identification, monitoring and isolation of such territories known to contain ERW.

The Protocol envisages mutual co-operation and exchange of information among those member states so as to realise its stated aims.

Latvia's joining this international instrument is to be regarded as another step towards the strengthening of the principle of international human rights. The primary goal of the Convention is the protection of civilians against the explosive remnants of war.

(end of text)