Half last year’s landmine victims were children, with highest number in Syria

Almost half of the civilians killed and injured by landmines last year were children, with the highest number in Syria followed by Ukraine and Yemen.

The latest Landmine Monitor report published on Tuesday reveals at least 4,710 casualties of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) were recorded last year, with 1,661 killed and 3,015 injured.

It says civilians made up 85 per cent of all recorded casualties, where the military or civilian status was known (4,341).

Children accounted for almost half (49 per cent, or 1,171) of civilian casualties, where age was recorded.