Lebanon Joins Mine Ban Treaty Amid Conflict: A Critical Step for Global Disarmament

Lebanon has acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty, becoming the 162nd country to join the international agreement. The decision comes amid an ongoing armed conflict in the country and the surrounding region.

The Lebanese Council of Ministers issued a decree approving the accession in January 2026. The country deposited its instrument of accession with the United Nations in New York City on May 1, 2026. The treaty is scheduled to enter into force for Lebanon on November 1, 2026.

Human Rights Watch stated on May 27, 2026, that Lebanon’s accession underscores the importance of the treaty for saving lives and rebuilding communities. Verity Coyle, deputy crisis, conflict and arms director at Human Rights Watch, said that the adoption of the treaty during periods of fighting and destruction is an important step toward safeguarding civilian lives, assisting mine victims and restoring land to its communities.

The Mine Ban Treaty, which entered into force in 1999, comprehensively prohibits the use of antipersonnel mines. Signatory countries are required to destroy their stockpiles, clear mined areas, and provide assistance to victims.

Lebanon faces significant landmine contamination. By the end of 2024, at least 15.79 square kilometers of land remained contaminated with antipersonnel mines, while an additional 4.67 square kilometers were contaminated with cluster munitions, which function as landmines.

In 2023, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) estimated that this contamination affects at least 200,000 people. Between 2015 and 2024, at least 167 people in Lebanon were killed by mines or explosive remnants of war.

The Lebanese government has expressed interest in the treaty since the early 2000s, though it previously cited the national security situation as an impediment. In December 2009, Lebanon confirmed that it had never exported or produced antipersonnel mines.

Lebanon’s entry into the treaty occurs during a period of instability for the global agreement. In 2025, five European states—Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland—withdrew from the treaty, and Ukraine attempted to suspend its obligations. These countries cited security concerns as the primary reason for their actions.

Several other nations in the Middle East and North Africa region remain outside the Mine Ban Treaty, including:

• Bahrain
• Egypt
• Iran
• Israel
• Libya
• Morocco
• Saudi Arabia
• Syria
• United Arab Emirates

As a new member, Lebanon is now required to submit an initial transparency report to the United Nations. The government must begin implementing the provisions of the treaty within territory under its jurisdiction or control under all circumstances.

Coyle stated that the legal commitment made by Lebanon during a crisis serves as a reminder to other states regarding the necessity of international treaties that protect civilians.

Human Rights Watch is a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which received the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize along with coordinator Jody Williams for its work in establishing the Mine Ban Treaty.