Afghanistan among worst-hit countries for unexploded ordnance, UN warns

Afghanistan remains the third most affected country globally for unexploded ordnance casualties, with more than 50 people killed or injured each month, a United Nations official has said.

Speaking from Kabul on Monday, Nick Pond, Chief of the Mine Action Section for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said the human cost remains severe, particularly for children.

He said the figures show “there’s at least one casualty every single day,” adding that “almost 80% are children.”

Pond said most of the victims are boys, many of whom are killed or injured after encountering unexploded ordnance while playing or tending animals.

He added that 90% of casualties are caused by unexploded ordnance and abandoned munitions left behind after more than 40 years of conflict.

The UNAMA official also warned that the mine action sector is facing a major funding shortfall. Summarising the challenge, he said reduced international support has sharply cut the number of deminers working in Afghanistan.

“Reduced support for a country that sits way down the list of global humanitarian priorities… has reduced the number of deminers delivering clearance, risk education and victim assistance from around 15,000 in 2011 to 1,300 this month,” Pond said.

AnewZ sought comment from Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) on the latest UN findings but was unable to reach officials.

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However, in January, the Director General of ANDMA underscored the “urgent need for the comprehensive clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance” in Afghanistan, stressing the importance of public safety.

Despite the challenges, Pond said there remains scope for progress if funding increases.

“With increased funding, there is a very real opportunity to free this country from contamination, allowing Afghan people to restore their livelihoods unhindered by the remnants of war,” he said.

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