UNICEF reported that unexploded ordnance and explosive remnants of war (ERWs) killed or severely injured more than 500 children in Afghanistan in 2024. This highlights the deadly legacy of decades of conflict.
In a statement shared on X, UNICEF highlighted the continued threat posed by these remnants of war. The children affected were victims of accidental explosions or contact with explosives left behind from previous conflicts, UNICEF said.
To mitigate these risks, UNICEF said it had educated at least three million children and caregivers last year on the dangers of explosive ordnance. The program included training on how to identify, avoid, and report hazardous materials. This training formed part of the agency’s broader efforts to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Also See: UN Raises Concerns Over Mine Contamination in Afghanistan
A Persistent Threat
Explosive remnants of war remain one of the most significant dangers to children in Afghanistan. They often claim lives or cause lifelong disabilities.
According to a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), ERWs kill or injure an estimated 110 people in Afghanistan every month. Alarmingly, children represented 89 percent of these casualties in 2023.
OCHA reported that landmines, unexploded ordnance, and ERWs have killed or injured over 45,000 individuals in Afghanistan since 1989. This illustrates the enduring impact of these hidden dangers.
Despite efforts to address the crisis, significant funding shortfalls hamper mine clearance and ERW disposal operations in Afghanistan. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has warned that insufficient resources could jeopardize the safety of 3.4 million people, particularly children, in 2024.
UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations have called for sustained investment in mine clearance programs and public education initiatives. These efforts, they argue, are critical to reducing casualties and ensuring communities can live free from the fear of explosive remnants of war.
This news is sourced from [Amu] and is for informational purposes only.
