Almost 7,000 people were killed or injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war in 2018, according to the annual Landmine Monitor.
The report shows that 2018 was the fourth consecutive year to have “exceptionally high” numbers of recorded casualties due in large part to armed conflict and large-scale violence, particularly in Afghanistan, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria, Syria, and Ukraine.
It shows there were 6,897 people killed or injured during 2018 but that due to the challenge of accurate data recording in active conflicts, the number of casualties almost certainly exceeded those reported.
Some 71 per cent of all casualties were civilians where the statue of those killed or injured was known and 54 per cent were children – a 12 per cent increase over the past two years.
The Monitor also found that only one state – Myanmar, which is not a party to Mine Ban Treaty – and a small number of non-state armed groups used landmines in 2018. As of October this year, some 59 states and other areas are contaminated by antipersonnel mines.
Hector Guerra, director of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines – Cluster Munition Coalition, said while the Mine Ban Treaty has shown “incredible impact” in stigmatising the landines and reducing casualties”, a rising casualty trend related to non-state armed group use of improvised mines meant mine action efforts need to be refocused and include mine risk education.
