Latest news with #InternationalDayforMineAwareness
El Chorouk
09-04-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
El-Djeich Magazine: Armed Forces' Historical Responsibility in Protecting Borders
The Army's High Command emphasized that victorious Algeria is taking giant strides toward comprehensive development and progress through massive strategic projects and is now firmly advancing on the path to advancement and prosperity. The editorial in the latest issue of El-Djeich magazine, titled 'Securing the Present for a Brighter Future,' asserted that 'victorious Algeria is today taking giant strides toward comprehensive development and progress through massive strategic projects that, until recently, seemed unattainable, even a fantasy to some slackers.' The magazine noted that these achievements confirm that 'Algeria is now firmly on the path to progress and prosperity, confidently moving toward securing its present and looking forward to a brighter future'. The magazine added that 'what has been achieved in various fields and in a relatively short time proves this, particularly in the areas of food, water and health security, and many other fields, according to the vision of a wise leadership that places Algeria's interests and sovereignty above all else.' The military's mouthpiece explained that 'all development projects approved by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and implemented on the ground serve the citizen and meet their needs, based on the consecration of the social character of the Algerian state, derived from the literature of the victorious liberation revolution, particularly the November 1st Declaration.' In this context, the magazine noted 'the President's affirmation, in his last regular meeting with the national media, of his commitment to maintaining the same approach, ensuring further gains at various levels, particularly those that benefit youth, who represent the foundation and core of the nation'. In contrast, the editorial praised this important segment of society, imbued with a patriotic spirit and driven by a strong will to achieve all the set goals, as emphasized by the President of the Republic. Considering that security and development are two complementary elements, the magazine highlighted the pivotal role of the People's National Army as a fundamental guarantee for the continuation of this development process within a framework of security and stability. Noting that, 'in a regional environment witnessing increasing volatility and security challenges, our armed forces assume a historic responsibility to protect our vast borders, combat terrorism and organized crime in all its forms, and preserve the integrity of our national territory and the sovereignty of the state by working relentlessly to acquire deterrent military power'. In a different context, the editorial addressed the commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness, recalling the crime of mine-laying by French colonialism, which 'killed tens of thousands of Algerians who bravely held on to their ancestral land and defended it with unparalleled ferocity, sacrificing their lives to stop the inhuman crimes perpetrated by the hateful occupier in our country.' 'Because Algeria, a country of challenges, cannot face any obstacle without overcoming it with an unwavering will of steel, our country had to rid itself of this legacy, and this is what happened thanks to the efforts of the nation's sons, who did their utmost to achieve this goal,' the editorial concluded.
Iraqi News
06-04-2025
- General
- Iraqi News
Iraq: Mines/ERW killed or injured 314+ children in 5 years, UN reports
Baghdad ( – 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.
Yemen Online
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Yemen's Houthi Landmines Claim Over 6,400 Civilian Since 2017
The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has documented a staggering humanitarian crisis, reporting that Houthi-planted landmines have killed or injured more than 6,400 civilians across Yemen between January 2017 and January 2025. Released to coincide with the International Day for Mine Awareness (April 4), the comprehensive report reveals these explosive devices have claimed 2,316 lives while leaving 4,115 civilians wounded - with women and children accounting for a significant portion of the victims. The grim statistics show: • 387 children and 412 women killed; • 738 children and 677 women injured; • 918 survivors suffering permanent disabilities, including 413 amputees and 2 cases of complete blindness. The report identifies anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines as responsible for 6,431 documented casualties across 13 governorates: Marib, Al-Baydha, Hodeidah, Lahj, Taiz, Ibb, Sanaa, Abyan, Al-Jawf, Al-Dhalea, Amran, Saada, and Hajjah. "This constitutes one of the most severe landmine crises worldwide," the Network stated, condemning the systematic targeting of civilians as both a war crime and a major obstacle to Yemen's stability and postwar recovery. The human rights organization issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations, demanding: Immediate investigation into Houthi militia's indiscriminate mine deployment, enhanced protection for vulnerable civilian populations, comprehensive support for victims, particularly those with permanent injuries, and accelerated demining operations to clear thousands of remaining explosive hazards. The report underscores the long-term threat posed by undiscovered minefields, warning that without decisive international action, these hidden killers will continue claiming innocent lives for years to come.
Shafaq News
06-04-2025
- Shafaq News
Unseen threat: Landmine kills hiker in northern Iraq
Shafaq News/ A landmine explosion killed one man and injured another in northern Iraq, the Civil Defense Directorate revealed on Sunday. 'The blast occurred on Mount Qallersh (جبل قلەرش) in the Soran Independent Administration, as the two men were hiking,' Karwan Mirawdli, spokesperson for the directorate, told our Agency, confirming the device was an old landmine left from past conflicts. Security forces have secured the area, he added. The incident comes just days after the International Day for Mine Awareness on April 4. A recent report by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) estimated that landmine-contaminated zones in Iraq span an area equal to 300,000 football fields.
Khabar Agency
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Khabar Agency
Houthi Landmines Claim Over 6,400 Civilian Casualties in Yemen Since 2017
The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has documented a staggering humanitarian crisis, reporting that Houthi-planted landmines have killed or injured more than 6,400 civilians across Yemen between January 2017 and January 2025. Released to coincide with the International Day for Mine Awareness (April 4), the comprehensive report reveals these explosive devices have claimed 2,316 lives while leaving 4,115 civilians wounded - with women and children accounting for a significant portion of the victims. The grim statistics show: • 387 children and 412 women killed; • 738 children and 677 women injured; • 918 survivors suffering permanent disabilities, including 413 amputees and 2 cases of complete blindness. The report identifies anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines as responsible for 6,431 documented casualties across 13 governorates: Marib, Al-Baydha, Hodeidah, Lahj, Taiz, Ibb, Sanaa, Abyan, Al-Jawf, Al-Dhalea, Amran, Saada, and Hajjah. "This constitutes one of the most severe landmine crises worldwide," the Network stated, condemning the systematic targeting of civilians as both a war crime and a major obstacle to Yemen's stability and postwar recovery. The human rights organization issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations, demanding: Immediate investigation into Houthi militia's indiscriminate mine deployment, enhanced protection for vulnerable civilian populations, comprehensive support for victims, particularly those with permanent injuries, and accelerated demining operations to clear thousands of remaining explosive hazards. The report underscores the long-term threat posed by undiscovered minefields, warning that without decisive international action, these hidden killers will continue claiming innocent lives for years to come.
