Overview:
Palau reinforces its commitment to a mine-free world. Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro represented Palau at the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Convention in Geneva, highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle unexploded ordnance from WWII and strengthen Pacific-wide cooperation on humanitarian security.
Geneva, Switzerland – The Honorable Gustav N. Aitaro, Minister of State, represented the Republic of Palau at the Twenty-Second Meeting of the States Parties (22MSP) to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, held from 1–5 December 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
In his intervention, Minister Aitaro emphasized Palau’s steadfast dedication to a mine-free world since acceding to the Convention in 2007, underscoring that the humanitarian consequences of anti-personnel mines far outweigh any military utility. He welcomed the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Kingdom of Tonga as the newest States Parties, noting that their accession brings the Pacific region closer to achieving the shared vision of a mine-free Pacific.
Minister Aitaro also drew attention to the ongoing challenges posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) from World War II, which continue to threaten Palau’s environment, communities, and economic development. He highlighted the strong partnerships Palau has forged with Japan Mine Action Services, Norwegian People’s Aid, the United States, Japan, and Australia, which have supported clearance operations including the successful removal of dangerous remnants from the Helmet Wreck,
a popular dive site near Palau’s port. These efforts, he noted, are vital to safeguarding Palau’s pristine
environment and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
Looking ahead, Minister Aitaro reaffirmed Palau’s leadership role in advancing Pacific-wide cooperation on disarmament and humanitarian security. As Palau prepares to chair the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in 2026, he pledged to continue promoting United Nations instruments including the Mine Ban Convention, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the Arms Trade Treaty.
“Palau may not face the direct threat of anti- personnel mines, but we see it as our responsibility
to join the global collective effort to ban these weapons and ensure a mine-free Pacific. Addressing the legacy of unexploded ordnance is vital to safeguarding our environment, communities, and future generations,” Minister Aitaro stated.