The Escalating Toll of Landmines: A Global Crisis Unfolding

Landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) continue to pose a severe threat to civilian populations worldwide, as highlighted in the latest report by the Landmine Monitor.

The report, released recently, paints a grim picture of the escalating casualties and challenges posed by these insidious weapons in conflict zones across the globe.

Alarming Trends in Casualties

According to Landmine Monitor, in the year 2022 alone, a total of 4,710 individuals fell victim to landmines and ERW in 49 states and two other areas.

This statistic, while slightly lower than the previous year’s count, remains a stark reminder of the enduring danger these weapons present.

What’s more distressing is that a staggering 85 percent of these casualties were civilians, among whom children accounted for half of the victims.

Rise in Antipersonnel Landmine Casualties

Of particular concern is the significant surge in casualties directly attributed to antipersonnel landmines.

The report noted a drastic increase of over 50 percent, with 628 recorded casualties in 2022 compared to 414 in 2021.

We were delighted to host this morning's launch of the @MineMonitor Landmine Monitor 2023 🎥

💻 https://t.co/wlRiUd56Um

The report offers a global overview of efforts to implement the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, clear contaminated areas, deliver risk education and assist victims 📘✨ pic.twitter.com/yfT5OGmVpS

— United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (@UNIDIR) November 14, 2023

These explosive devices are specially designed to be activated by the presence, proximity, or contact of a person and are strategically placed on or below the ground, often in conflict zones, to deter enemy movements or protect certain areas both during and long after conflicts have ceased.

Upon activation, these landmines explode, releasing shrapnel or other lethal fragments that could cause devastating injuries, or worse, death, to individuals in its vicinity.

Escalating Impact in Conflict Zones

While the report identified Syria as the country with the highest number of casualties from landmines and ERW in 2022, it was the escalating numbers in Ukraine that stood out as particularly alarming.

Amid Russia’s full-scale invasion, which commenced in February of the previous year, the number of civilians injured or killed by landmines and ERW in Ukraine surged exponentially to 608 in 2022, a staggering increase from the 58 casualties recorded in 2021.

This stark escalation underscores the devastating impact of conflict on civilian populations and highlights the urgent need for action.

Beyond Ukraine, other conflict zones like Yemen and Myanmar recorded over 500 casualties each in 2022, emphasizing the widespread and indiscriminate nature of these weapons and their devastating impact on communities.

The Mine Ban Treaty

The report’s release coincided with preparations for the annual meeting of state parties of the Mine Ban Treaty, established in 1997.

This treaty, currently ratified by 164 state parties, aims to outlaw the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of antipersonnel mines.

It also mandates assistance to victims, clearance of mines, and destruction of existing stockpiles.

Tamar Gabelnick, the chief of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, emphasized the pivotal role of the Mine Ban Treaty in ensuring global safety, stating:

“The only way communities will be truly safe from the scourge of these weapons is when all states have joined and are fully respecting the treaty.”

Continuing Challenges and Defiance

However, despite concerted global efforts through the treaty, significant challenges remain.

The report highlighted instances of new landmine deployments by countries not party to the treaty, notably Russia and Myanmar.

This defiance of the treaty’s principles undermines progress made towards eradicating landmines and represents a severe obstacle to establishing a world free from these lethal remnants of conflict.

Russia heavily mined its front line in Ukraine in expectation of Ukraine's counteroffensive. According to estimates, as much as 174,000 square kilometers have been mined mostly in the east, making Ukraine the most mined country in the world. https://t.co/ZiXjb7rGSN

— Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (@RFERL) November 14, 2023

Notably, Russia’s extensive use of landmines in Ukraine raised unprecedented concerns.

The report emphasized the alarming situation wherein a non-party state deployed these weapons on the territory of a State Party, a clear violation of the treaty’s objectives.

Additionally, investigations into the circumstances surrounding the use of antipersonnel mines by Ukrainian forces in areas under Russian control further underscored the complexities and challenges faced in conflict zones.

Ongoing Urgency for Clearance

Despite the progress made in mine clearance efforts, the report revealed that 60 countries and territories continue to grapple with landmine contamination.

Among these, 33 state parties have an obligation to pursue mine clearance actively, highlighting the ongoing urgency to address this pervasive threat to civilian lives.

“Alarming increases in the number of civilians killed and injured by recently placed mines in several countries further demonstrate the dire need for increased resources to ensure all the rights of the victims are addressed,” said Loren Persi, editor for casualties and victim assistance reporting.

Persi further emphasized the critical need for comprehensive assistance to victims of landmines and explosive remnants of war, highlighting the need for vital support that goes beyond mere medical aid and focusing on aspects that can significantly improve the lives of those affected.

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In conclusion, the Landmine Monitor’s report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the devastating impact of landmines and ERW on civilian populations worldwide.

Efforts to uphold and expand the Mine Ban Treaty, alongside increased cooperation among nations, are crucial in mitigating the threat posed by these indiscriminate weapons.

Only through collective action and a steadfast commitment to eliminate landmines can we ensure the safety and security of communities affected by these enduring remnants of conflict.

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