Iraq: Mines/ERW killed or injured 314+ children in 5 years, UN reports
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – In a statement released on April 4th, International Day for Mine Awareness, UNICEF emphasized that landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) remain a grave threat to people in Iraq, especially children. Over the previous five years, these terrible risks have killed or harmed at least 314 youngsters, according to official UN reports that the group referenced.
The threat is widespread; concerning estimates suggest that more than 2,700 square kilometers of Iraqi territory are still poisoned. In addition to endangering lives on a daily basis, this pervasive contamination seriously impedes economic development, restricts access to education and essential livelihoods, and—most importantly—prevents hundreds of displaced families from safely returning to their hometowns, thereby obstructing efforts at national stability and reconstruction.
Every child has the right to a safe and stable childhood, free from the threat of mines and ERW,' said Sandra Lattouf, representatives of UNICEF in Iraq. Beyond only causing physical injury, she underlined, these hidden threats deny children the opportunity to play, learn, and develop in a safe setting. UNMAS Iraq Programme Manager Pehr Lodhammar stated that pollution is still a significant barrier to progress and reaffirmed UNMAS's dedication to helping the Iraqi government and the Directorate of Mine Action (DMA) remove land for rebuilding and safe return.
UNICEF and UNMAS jointly called on the Iraqi government to take immediate action to improve protection for people, particularly children, from ERW hazards in observance of Mine Awareness Day. In order to provide Iraqi children a better, more secure future, they reiterated their unwavering commitment to cooperating to speed up mine clearing operations, increase risk education initiatives, and fortify preventative measures.
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