Afghanistan remains one of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world due to landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), a situation that continues to threaten the lives of millions of its citizens. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) raised alarms over the scale of the landmine issue, noting that it significantly affects public safety, mental health, and livelihoods across the country.
Landmine Threats and Casualties
In a statement issued on December 29, 2024, UNAMA reported that landmines and other explosive hazards are responsible for more than 60 casualties each month, the majority of which are children. These hazards, including mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and remnants of cluster munitions, have led to widespread trauma and loss of life, particularly in rural areas. According to the Global Protection Cluster Funding Report (2023), two-thirds of Afghanistan’s districts remain contaminated, putting over 3 million people at risk.
The physical toll of landmines is compounded by the psychological effects on survivors, many of whom are left with long-term disabilities. In addition, the contamination hampers economic activity and access to essential services, limiting the country’s recovery and development prospects.
Challenges in Mine Clearance
Despite decades of demining efforts, the situation remains dire. Since the start of large-scale demining operations in 1988, Afghanistan has made some progress in removing explosive hazards, with over 13 million items of explosive remnants of war cleared, alongside nearly 764,000 anti-personnel mines and 33,460 anti-vehicle mines. These efforts have liberated more than 3,600 square kilometers of land for agriculture and other productive uses, directly benefiting over 3,500 communities.
However, funding for mine action has sharply declined in recent years, leading to a significant reduction in the number of demining personnel and the pace of clearance operations. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), this decline in resources has hindered progress and exacerbated the risks posed by unexploded ordnance.
Afghanistan’s Commitment to Demining
Afghanistan continues to engage in international agreements aimed at addressing the landmine crisis. In April 2024, Afghanistan submitted a request to extend its deadline under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC), with the goal of completing the clearance of cluster munitions remnants (CMR) by 2026. The request was granted in November 2024, giving Afghanistan additional time to meet its demining obligations.
However, experts have expressed concerns about the country’s ability to meet its targets given the ongoing challenges, including limited funding, political instability, and the vast scale of contamination. The recent review by Mine Action Review highlighted these uncertainties, noting that Afghanistan’s progress toward completing mine clearance by the end of the decade remains uncertain.
The Path Forward
While significant work remains, continued international support and commitment are crucial for Afghanistan’s demining efforts. The country’s recovery from decades of conflict depends on securing safe and accessible land for its population, and the international community must play an integral role in providing financial assistance and expertise. As Afghanistan works towards clearing landmines and other explosive hazards, the need for increased funding and coordination in mine action is more pressing than ever.
In summary, Afghanistan’s ongoing struggle with landmine contamination represents a critical challenge not only to its humanitarian recovery but also to its broader stability and development. The international community must intensify its support to ensure that Afghanistan can meet its demining obligations and create a safer environment for its people.
Photo by Dominik Ferl on Unsplash {UN Vienna}
