Explosive mines claim more than 40,000 Afghan lives in three decades, UNAMA says

The United Nations Deputy Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has reported that over the past 35 years, 44,000 civilians, including children and women, have been victims of mine explosions and explosive materials, according to Khaama Press.

UNAMA released a video on social media stating that more than 3,000 square kilometers of land have been cleared of mines, the source added.

In 2022, approximately 700 children were killed or injured by mines, with at least two children victimized per day.

UNICEF documented that more than 19 million square meters have been cleared across Afghanistan, and about 1,284 square kilometers of land still require clearance.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance have remained a constant threat to civilians in Afghanistan over the past four decades, causing tragic loss of life and severe injuries, especially among vulnerable groups like children and women.

Despite ongoing efforts to clear mines, the danger persists, claiming lives daily and hindering development and the return of displaced populations.

The presence of landmines not only poses immediate risks to lives but also presents long-term obstacles to humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained action to address this critical issue and safeguard the well-being of Afghan communities.