MAG welcomes the news that Croatia has officially declared itself free of landmines, marking a historic milestone over three decades after the end of the War of Independence (1991–1995). Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, the conflict left widespread contamination from landmines and other explosive remnants of war across the country. At one point, an estimated 13,000 km2 of land was suspected to be affected.
Croatia officially became a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty (the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention) in 1997. Since then, a considerable effort to free the country of explosive threats has been made, with around 107,000 landmines and 470,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance found and destroyed.
Jessica Hyland, MAG’s Regional Director for Eastern Europe, said: “Croatia’s success provides a strong example of what can be achieved with sustained commitment and national ownership. With persistent effort, states can ensure that communities live free from danger and fear, where once hazardous landscapes can be safely returned to communities for homes, agriculture, and livelihoods.”
This encouraging announcement arrives at a time when international humanitarian principles and norms are under increasing pressure. Rising geopolitical tensions, an increasingly fragile global security context, and concerns about the threat of Russian aggression, have led some countries to withdraw from key humanitarian agreements. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Finland have stepped back from the Ottawa Treaty, signalling a more challenging period for global mine action efforts.
Jo Dresner, MAG’s Director of Strategic Partnerships and Policy, noted: “Full implementation of all provisions of the Ottawa Treaty, including survey, clearance, international cooperation, transparency, and a complete ban on new use of anti-personnel mines, is essential to keep communities safe from harm. The Treaty’s universalisation must remain a priority to end the enduring and indiscriminate threat to civilians posed by landmines.”
Croatia’s achievement is a powerful reminder of the importance of restoring and returning safe land to communities. Each mine-free declared country represents countless lives protected from devastating loss or injury. With every mine field cleared, farmland can be returned to productive use, safe pathways opened for children to walk to school, and vital services restored. Land once fraught with danger can support livelihoods, build community resilience, and create development opportunities.
By dismantling the legacy of conflict, and investing in peace, Croatia’s achievement demonstrates that past violence does not define a country’s future.
