KABUL, APR 4: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) have emphasized the urgent need for global support to Afghanistan in combating the threats posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war.
UNAMA stated that “more international support for Afghanistan is desperately needed,” and the ICRC warned that the country remains one of the most contaminated places in the world with landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The ICRC added that Afghanistan’s high level of explosive contamination and its devastating impact on civilians—especially children—highlight the need to increase efforts to support vulnerable communities.
According to ICRC statistics, in 2024 alone, at least 251 explosive-related incidents have been recorded, in which 434 children were killed or injured—making up over 76% of total casualties.
Today, Friday, April 4 (15 Hamal), marks the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, a day designated by the United Nations in 2005 to annually commemorate and highlight the importance of mine awareness, prevention, and clearance.
In a message marking the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that over 100 million people worldwide are still at risk from landmines and explosive remnants of war.
He wrote on X: “Even when the guns fall silent, they continue to kill civilians indiscriminately & block development efforts.”
Meanwhile, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) stated that around 15 people are killed or injured each day globally due to landmine and UXO explosions—and in many cases, it is children’s footsteps that trigger these blasts.
This organization, which works on mine clearance, while noting progress in recent years, stressed that the scale of the crisis remains deeply concerning.
MAG added that now more than ever, serious actions are needed to clear contaminated areas, support affected communities, and build a world free from the fear of landmines.
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