(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Ukraine is one of the states where high numbers of casualties caused by landmine explosions are recorded, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has reported, citing a report by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).
"Twenty years after the Mine Ban Treaty was negotiated and signed, it continues to be a tremendous life-saving success. Today, the campaign also encourages States Parties to complete their major treaty obligations by 2025. The high total was mostly due to casualties recorded in armed conflicts in Afghanistan, Libya, Ukraine, and Yemen," the report says.
According the organization, from October 2016 through October 2017, the use of antipersonnel mines in Ukraine was recorded, but not by government forces.
"Landmine Monitor has received no information that Ukrainian government forces have used antipersonnel mines in violation of the Mine Ban Treaty in 2016-2017. Since 2014, the government of Ukraine has stated that it has not used antipersonnel mines in the conflict and has accused Russian-supported forces of laying landmines in Ukraine," the report says.
The document shows that "there is significant evidence present at different locations that antipersonnel mines of Soviet origin with production markings from the 1980s, as well as antipersonnel mines with production markings from the 2000s, indicating Russian origin, are available."
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines says that Ukrainian soldiers died during the year from the explosion of anti-personnel mines without specifying exact numbers.
According to the report, 8,605 mine/ERW casualties were recorded in 2016, of which at least 2,089 people were killed. At the same time, children accounted for 42% of all civilian casualties.
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