KABUL (SW) – Since January this year, over 200 people were killed or injured by explosive ordinances half of whom are children, said the ICRC.
“Amin lost a leg, hands & eyesight after stepping on a landmine while collecting firewood Since January, over 200 people were killed or injured by explosive ordnances Half are children We need to clear these weapons to allow people to live safely”, tweeted Eloi Fillion, head of the ICRC in Afghanistan.
According to the ICRC Afghanistan is one of the heavily mined countries in the world, resulting in hundreds of casualties every year. “On #MineAwarenessDay, our colleague @MChmitelin highlights the devastating effect of explosive ordnances on Afghan people’s lives and livelihoods”, tweeted the ICRC.
Earlier this week, the UN Children Fund or UNICEF expressed deep sadness over the killing of five children, one girl and four boys, when an explosive remnant of war (ERW) detonated yesterday in Marjah District, Helmand Province.
Two other children, a boy and a girl, were also injured in the explosion.
“UNICEF expresses its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims and those injured”, it said in a statement.
“This latest incident is far from being an isolated case. In Afghanistan, in the last seven months, 301 children were either killed or injured by explosive remnants of war and landmines. The real figure is thought to be much higher”, it added.
According to the UNICEF, it is feared accidents involving children affected by ERWs will continue to rise as the security environment has become more permissible and civilians are venturing into areas that were previously off limits.
“Children are at high risk of death from unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan, including when they are tasked with collecting metal scraps to supplement meagre family incomes”, it said.
UNICEF urged all parties to adhere to their responsibilities and step-up efforts to clear existing mines and unexploded ordnance, provide victim assistance, educate children and communities about the risks and preventive measure to take, and ensure that children live in safe and protective environments.
ENDS
