Landmine alarm: 84% of the victims are civilians, children are particularly affected!

Landmine alarm: 84% of the victims are civilians, children are particularly affected!

The world stands still while the numbers rise alarmingly! In 2023, over 5,700 people were killed or injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war - a dramatic increase of about 1,000 compared to the previous year. According to the latest report from the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor group, civilians, a shocking 37 percent of whom are children, are the main victims of these cruel weapons. The shocking statistics show that 84 percent of victims are civilians trapped in the world's conflicts.

Myanmar tops the list of affected countries, where over 1,000 victims have been registered. The country has not signed the Mine Ban Treaty and is therefore not bound by international rules banning the use of landmines. Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine also have high casualty rates, with Syria suffering the highest annual casualties in the last three years. More than 500 victims were reported each in Afghanistan and Ukraine. However, the numbers could be even higher as not all incidents are documented.

The never-ending threat

The reports are alarming: Landminen are naturally unscathed weapons that can hit anyone who is near them - whether child or soldier. The dangers are not only limited to the war areas; Non -state actors also use land mines in conflict zones such as the Gaza Strip, Colombia and Share of Africa. Countries such as Russia, Iran and North Korea are still actively involved in laying new mines and ignore the international agreements that prohibit the use of such weapons.

The international community is facing a huge challenge. While 164 countries have joined the Ottawa Treaty, which has banned landmines since 1999, major powers such as the United States and Russia are not signatories. Washington is reportedly planning to supply landmines to Ukraine, which could further escalate the situation. The world must act urgently to combat this cruel reality and end the suffering of civilians!