Afghanistan Ranks Third Worldwide in Unexploded Munitions Casualties, UN Says
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says Afghanistan ranks third in the world in casualties caused by unexploded explosive ordnance, highlighting what it described as the continued contamination of large areas of the country with landmines and war remnants.
In a message, UNAMA said efforts to raise financial support for demining organisations are continuing. According to the mission, these organisations work every day to clear landmines and other deadly explosive devices, while also carrying out risk-awareness campaigns in different parts of the country.
Based on UNAMA’s information, children are the most vulnerable group to this threat and make up 80 percent of all casualties caused by these materials. UNAMA added that a number of children are injured or killed while playing with or handling unexploded explosive ordnance.
The mission said public awareness and joint cooperation can prevent deadly incidents and save lives. UNAMA urged citizens not to touch any unknown or suspicious object and to immediately report it to the relevant authorities.
Afghanistan has faced the danger of landmines and unexploded ordnance left in parts of the country after four decades of war and insecurity, a threat that in many cases targets civilians, especially children.
