NEWS: Finland Joins Mine Ban Treaty

On January 9, Finland deposited its instrument of accession to the Mine Ban Treaty with the United Nations in New York. In August 2011 the Finnish government had announced plans to take this step. Finland’s government had for many years stated that anti-personnel mines were a military necessity for the defence of the country’s long borders. The Finnish government’s decision strengthens even further the international norm against anti-personnel landmines. The Mine Ban Treaty has now been joined by 159 countries. Finland will now destroy its stockpile of over one million anti-personnel mines within the next four years.

The prohibitions set out in the Mine Ban Treaty, as those set out in the Convention on Cluster Munitions, have implications for investors. Financing restrictions regarding controversial weapons are required by law in a limited number of countries but are supported by civil society expectations and voluntary investor action across Europe, in Australia and New Zeeland. Ethix SRI Advisors has over the years engaged with a large number of stakeholders and continues to take active part in the debate in support of increased clarity for investors.