On Tuesday April 4, The Human Rights Council continued debating the treaty to regulate the use of landmines.

The commission split into two sides, each created working papers stating their positions.

The delegations from China and The United Kingdom stated that civilians lives are a priority but the production of landmines are important to the economy of some countries and will allow the production of mines to only specific countries..

According to the position paper produced by China and the UK, the current system “Encourages weapon producers to take measures regarding the distribution of landlines only to countries with the capacity to take responsibility of de-mining afterwards.”

The delegation of The United Kingdom explained that some countries were in need of the mines due to possible terrorist invasions that can lead to wars.

“Recognized civilians lives are a priority, but since some countries are in need of these mines they would only be used for war and de-mining afterwards,” The delegate of the United Kingdom said.

Delegations from Russia and the United States did not agree the plan presented by China was efficient.

“The paper is unconstitutional in definition and violates basic resolutions of both the United Kingdom and China,” The delegate of Russia said.

Further debate on the first position paper stalled and it did not pass a commission vote.  The commission then proceeded with debate on the proposal from Russia and the US.

Both delegations from the United States and Russia stated that the use of landmines should be strictly regulated.

‘’The regulation of the use of landmines by countries just to defend their borders or that find themselves in a constant threat or are contested by nations,”  the delegate of Russia said.

The delegations of the United states and Russia proceeded to explain why their position was appropriate to present to the General Assembly.

According to the US delegate a just solution would, “Establish legal framework that is stable and flexible that does not interfere with internal policies of any country.”

In the end, the topic was closed and The Human Rights Council failed to pass any resolution to address the proliferation of landmines.

The commission will open debate on human trafficking this afternoon and will continue  tomorrow.