The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan ranks third in the world for casualties caused by explosive remnants of war, with large areas of the country still contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said.
In a statement, UNAMA said efforts were underway to secure funding for mine-clearance organizations that work to remove explosives left behind by decades of conflict and educate communities about the dangers they pose.
Children are particularly vulnerable, accounting for about 80% of casualties caused by these explosive remnants, according to the mission. Many are injured or killed after encountering or playing with unexploded ammunition, it said.
Mine-clearance teams continue to work across Afghanistan to identify and remove landmines and other explosive devices while raising public awareness about the risks, UNAMA said.
The mission emphasized that sustained funding, public education and cooperation among communities and authorities are essential to preventing further casualties and protecting civilians.
UNAMA urged people not to touch unfamiliar or suspicious objects and to keep away from them before immediately reporting their presence to the relevant authorities or security forces.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a serious threat to civilians across Afghanistan, where years of armed conflict have left dangerous remnants in communities, farmland and other areas used by the public.
The U.N. mission did not provide a specific timeframe or supporting figures for Afghanistan’s global ranking in the information available.
