2024-11-20 05:27:00
The campaign to ban landmines has recorded a high number of victims from landmines. Last year there were at least 5,700 victims worldwide, 1,000 more than reported the year before, according to the campaign’s report (ICBL-CMC). At least 1,983 people were killed by landmines in 2023, the others were injured, some seriously. Not all deaths and injuries are recorded; the true number is likely to be higher.
Conflict parties lay landmines to stop the advance of enemy forces. They explode when touched and kill or tear off people’s limbs. Victims are often civilians because the small parts often remain in the ground as live ammunition. According to the report, around 84 percent of the victims in 2023 were children and other civilians who later accidentally stepped on them on roads or in fields.
Use of Myanmar, Russia, North Korea
The military dictatorship of Myanmar in Southeast Asia has used more landmines than before. Among other things, Russia, Iran and North Korea have laid new landmines, as in previous years.
These countries are not parties to the international treaty that prohibits the use, storage, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines. It came into force in 1999. A total of 164 countries have joined, including Germany. 33 countries are not included, including the USA, Israel and China.
Non-state actors, i.e. armed groups, also used landmines, the report says. This happened, among other things, in the Gaza Strip, but also in Colombia, India, Myanmar and apparently in countries in the Sahel zone in Africa, including Burkina Faso and Mali. Landmines continue to be produced or purchased in twelve countries, including China, Cuba, Singapore and Vietnam.
The campaign is a network of more than 1,000 organizations worldwide working to ban these weapons. They hope that because of the almost global ban on weapons, governments will move away from it so as not to be pilloried.
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How can individuals contribute to the ICBL’s mission and aid in preventing landmine-related casualties?
**Interview with Sarah Mitchell, Director of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. The recent report from ICBL-CMC has highlighted a troubling increase in landmine victims. Can you provide some context around the statistic of at least 5,700 victims reported last year?
**Sarah Mitchell:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the number of victims has indeed risen alarmingly. Last year, we recorded at least 5,700 victims, which is a significant increase from the previous year. This includes people who were injured as well as those who lost their lives. It’s particularly concerning as we work towards a world free of landmines.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that 1,983 people were killed by landmines last year. What groups or regions are most affected by this issue?
**Sarah Mitchell:** The majority of the victims come from conflict-affected regions, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria. Civilians are disproportionately affected, and sadly, many of the victims are children who are often unaware of the dangers posed by these hidden explosives.
**Interviewer:** What actions is the ICBL undertaking to address this increasing crisis?
**Sarah Mitchell:** We are actively advocating for a complete ban on landmines at the international level. This involves working with national governments to promote the Mine Ban Treaty, raising awareness about the consequences of landmines, and pushing for increased support for demining efforts and victim assistance programs.
**Interviewer:** What can the public do to support the campaign against landmines and help victims?
**Sarah Mitchell:** Public awareness and advocacy are key. Individuals can support our campaign by engaging on social media, participating in local events, donating to organizations that assist landmine victims, and urging their governments to take action. Every voice counts in this fight.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah, for sharing these important insights. We hope for positive change in the fight against landmines.
**Sarah Mitchell:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference.
