Intl Mine Awareness Day: Afghanistan’s Silent Emergency

Afghanistan is considered one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the dangers posed by mines, and thousands of people—especially children—continue to be harmed by the explosion of leftover explosive materials.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) announced that children are the main victims of leftover landmine explosions in the country.

The International Committee of the Red Cross also stated that in 2024 more than 560 people, including 434 children, have died in Afghanistan due to landmine and unexploded ordnance explosions.

Nooruddin Rustamkhail, head of mine action coordination and clearance, said: “Afghanistan is one of the countries most globally contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance. Currently, up to 60 people per month in Afghanistan fall victim to mines and unexploded ordnance, most of whom are children.”

“Some vulnerable individuals and groups such as children, farmers, shepherds, and rural residents who are unaware of the dangers of mines are the victims in Afghanistan,” said Asadullah Nadim, a military analyst.

Zaheda, a six-year-old girl, encountered leftover explosive material seven months ago in Ghazni province and lost one of her legs due to its explosion.

Speaking about the incident, she said: “I brought the object home, and when the children pulled it from me, it suddenly exploded and I lost my leg.”

The United Nations designated April 4 as the “International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action” in 2005 to highlight the importance of mine awareness, prevention, and clearance every year.

António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, stated that more than 100 million people worldwide are at risk from landmines and remnants of war explosives.