UNICEF Expresses Concern Over Escalating Child Casualties Caused by Landmines in Somalia

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has voiced deep apprehension regarding the rising number of child fatalities and severe injuries resulting from landmine detonations in Somalia. Since June, these tragic incidents have claimed a minimum of 30 young lives.

Reports indicate that numerous children have fallen victim to three distinct occurrences involving the inadvertent activation of unexploded ordnance in recent days.

UNICEF has issued a resounding call to all parties embroiled in the conflict within Somalia. They urge them to diligently conduct periodic risk assessments, assume responsibility for the safe handling of explosive remnants of war, and undertake the clearance of existing mines and unexploded devices.

UNICEF officials underscore the urgent need for widespread explosive ordnance risk education targeted at children and communities. They pledge UNICEF’s steadfast commitment to collaborating closely with the government and humanitarian organizations to mitigate the perils posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war to children.

According to the United Nations, the year 2022 witnessed a distressing toll, with over 1,200 Somali civilians enduring death or injury due to explosive ordnance, encompassing explosive remnants of war, landmines, and improvised explosive devices.