Afghanistan Peace Campaign
The Mine Clearance Organization recently announced that over 65 square kilometers of land in Afghanistan is contaminated with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The organization has called on the global community to increase political and financial support for clearing these devices from Afghanistan’s lands.
According to the Mine Clearance Organization, more than 65 square kilometers across 26 provinces in Afghanistan are currently affected by IEDs.
This announcement was made on Monday, November 11, through a report highlighting a 10% decrease in the number of anti-personnel mines cleared in contaminated areas.
The report states, “Sixty countries and various regions worldwide are contaminated by mines. The HALO Trust operates in one-third of these countries, including four heavily contaminated ones: Afghanistan with 2,235 de-miners, Cambodia with 1,191 staff, Iraq with 83 staff, and Ukraine with 1,376 staff.”
Afghanistan is among the countries with the highest contamination levels from landmines and unexploded ordnance left over from past conflicts. These explosive remnants are the second leading cause of civilian casualties in Afghanistan.
The urgency for mine clearance in Afghanistan cannot be overstated, given the severe impact on civilian safety and the hindrance to development in affected areas.
Increased international support is essential for accelerating demining efforts, saving lives, and fostering a safer environment for communities in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, addressing the mine contamination issue is critical not only for Afghanistan’s security but also for the stability and rebuilding efforts in the broader region.