The United Nations has recently highlighted the severe and ongoing issue of mine contamination in Afghanistan, raising significant concerns over its impact on the civilian population. According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the country is now one of the most mine-affected globally. This situation poses a substantial threat to the safety and lives of Afghan citizens, particularly children, who are disproportionately affected.
Recent data shows that around two-thirds of Afghanistan’s districts are contaminated by explosive hazards, impacting over 3 million people who live in the vicinity of these threats. The Global Protection Cluster Funding Report for 2023 documented over 60 casualties per month, with children making up the majority of these figures. In addition to physical injuries, the presence of mines severely hampers mental health and economic livelihoods.
The process of clearing mines and explosive remnants has been ongoing since 1988. However, funding for these crucial operations has decreased significantly, resulting in a reduction of demining personnel. Despite these setbacks, some progress has been noted. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that over 13 million items of explosive remnants have been cleared, which has allowed the release of approximately 3,622 square kilometres of land back to communities for productive use.
Meeting international obligations remains a challenge for Afghanistan. A report from Mine Action Review expressed concerns over the country’s ability to meet its commitments for mine clearance under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). Afghanistan did submit a request for an extension to its Article 5 deadline, aiming to complete clearing cluster munition remnants by 2026. This extension was officially granted in November 2024.
For a detailed overview, please visit the full report by JURIST.