UN calls for urgent action to protect Iraqi children from landmine threats

IANS April 5, 2025 224 views

The United Nations has raised critical alarm about landmine threats facing Iraqi children, revealing devastating statistics of child casualties. UNICEF and UNMAS jointly reported that 314 children have been killed or injured by explosive ordnance in the past five years. More than 2,700 square kilometers of Iraqi land remain contaminated with dangerous explosive remnants. The organizations are committed to supporting government efforts to clear these hazardous areas and protect vulnerable populations.

"These hidden dangers not only endanger lives but also deprive children of their rights to play, learn, and thrive" - Sandra Lattouf, UNICEF Representative
Baghdad, April 5: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) jointly called for immediate action to protect Iraqi children from the ongoing landmine threat.

Key Points

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UN calls urgent action to protect Iraqi children from explosive remnants

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Over 2,700 square km of land remains contaminated with ordnance

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International Day for Mine Awareness highlights ongoing humanitarian crisis

According to a joint statement released by the two organizations, landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to endanger lives in Iraq, with children among the most vulnerable, Xinhua news agency reported.

The statement revealed that at least 314 children have been killed or injured by explosive ordnance over the past five years, citing UN official reports.

Iraq still faces significant dangers from explosive ordnance, with more than 2,700 square km of land remaining contaminated, it said.

"These hidden dangers not only endanger lives but also deprive children of their rights to play, learn, and thrive," UNICEF Representative in Iraq Sandra Lattouf said.

Pehr Lodhammar, Chief of Mine Action Program of UNMAS in Iraq, said UNMAS is committed to supporting the Iraqi government in addressing the explosive ordnance contamination, according to the statement.

UNMAS "will spare no effort to pave the way for a safe and dignified return of Iraqi displaced people and productive use of the land," Lodhammar was quoted as saying by the statement.

Friday marks the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, a day observed every year on April 4 and established in 2005 by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness and seek assistance for mine action.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
This breaks my heart 💔 Children should be able to play freely without fear. More international support is needed to clear these mines faster. The numbers are staggering!
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Mohammed A.
As someone from Iraq, I appreciate the UN's efforts but wish they'd focus more on rural areas where the danger is highest. The cities get most attention while villages suffer.
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Thomas R.
Important work being done here. Landmines are a cruel legacy of war that keep harming civilians long after conflicts end. Kudos to these organizations for their commitment.
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Leila B.
The statistic about 2,700 square km contaminated is mind-blowing. How many generations will have to live with this danger? We need more funding for mine clearance programs worldwide.
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James P.
While I support the cause, I wonder if the UN could be more transparent about their progress. Reports like this highlight the problem well, but we need regular updates on solutions.
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Amina S.
Education is key! Along with clearance efforts, we need programs to teach children how to recognize and avoid dangerous areas. Prevention can save lives while cleanup continues.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Iraq Landmines Child Safety UNICEF UN Mine Action War Remnants Child Protection
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