Contamination and Impact

Mines

It is unclear to what extent Hungary is contaminated with landmines. Mines were emplaced mainly on the Croatian side of the border during the conflict in the first half of the 1990s. Hungary has, however, identified an area of suspected mine contamination in a strip of territory 79.6km long and varying in width from a few centimeters to a few meters along the border with Croatia between the municipalities of Matty and Kölked.[1] Hungary believes less than 100 mines (thought to include PMR-2, PMR-2A, and OMSZ-2 antipersonnel mines) may be found on its territory due to inaccurate emplacement or due to movement of mines caused by weather and soil erosion. Hungary states the suspected area is unpopulated and covered by dense vegetation. As a result, it states that any impact is minimal.[2]

Mine Action Program

Hungary has initiated a program to survey and, if necessary, clear its border with Croatia in 2011–2013 in cooperation with the Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC). The plan provides for completion of a survey to define the extent of any contamination and establish a Hungarian Mine Information Database, with all clearance to be completed by the end of August 2013.[3] Hungary started surveying suspected mined areas in September 2011.[4]

Land Release

Compliance with Article 5 of the Mine Ban Treaty

Under Article 5 of the Mine Ban Treaty, Hungary was required to destroy all antipersonnel mines in mined areas under its jurisdiction or control as soon as possible, but not later than 1 March 2009. In accordance with Article 5, each State Party is required to make “every effort to identify all areas under its jurisdiction or control in which antipersonnel mines are known or suspected to be emplaced.”

Hungary only reported the possible presence of antipersonnel mines on its territory in 2011, although it had earlier sought funding from the European Commission for survey and clearance. Hungary did not request an extension to its Article 5 deadline prior to its expiration in 2009. It is not certain whether Hungary is currently in compliance with Article 5 of the Mine Ban Treaty.

Other Risk Reduction Measures

Hungary reported that as of May 2012 some 100 mine warning signs had been placed near suspected mined areas and that inhabitants of 13 nearby municipalities had been informed of the risks.[5]