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Landmine casualties reach highest level in four years in 2024
(MENAFN) Landmine-related injuries and deaths climbed to a four-year peak in 2024, as declining donor support and emerging withdrawals from international agreements weakened global mine action initiatives, according to reports.
In total, 6,279 people were killed or injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war last year, "the highest annual total since 2020, driven largely by conflicts in countries outside the treaty ban, including Myanmar," where "massive use continues," and Syria, where civilians face increasing danger as they return to contaminated areas.
Civilians represented 90% of these casualties, with nearly half being children, the report emphasized. Myanmar recorded the "highest casualty toll" for the second consecutive year.
"This year's findings make clear both the scale of new challenges and the need to stay united in upholding commitments and maintaining vital compliance efforts,” said Mark Hiznay, the Landmine Monitor editor for ban policy.
The comprehensive 163-page report noted both achievements and setbacks. Over half of affected states reduced mine contamination in 2024, and since the Mine Ban Treaty took effect in 1999, 31 states have completed clearance, with Oman joining this group in 2025. Additionally, two new accessions, the Marshall Islands and Tonga, brought the total number of treaty parties to 166, representing 85% of the world.
Yet, the path toward a mine-free world is becoming increasingly difficult. The total cleared area fell in 2024 due to limited funding and growing insecurity, while donor contributions for victim assistance—representing only 5% of mine action funding—dropped nearly 25%. A U.S. freeze on foreign aid early in 2025 exacerbated the shortfall, the report noted.
"Behind each statistic is a family and a community still living with the consequences of landmines," said funding editor Ruth Bottomley. "The decline in funding for victim assistance is alarming and must be urgently reversed."
The report also pointed to ongoing or potential new use of mines by countries including Russia, Myanmar, and Ukraine, alongside withdrawals or attempted withdrawals from the Mine Ban Treaty—trends signaling a "dangerous erosion of the global norm," according to the report.
In total, 6,279 people were killed or injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war last year, "the highest annual total since 2020, driven largely by conflicts in countries outside the treaty ban, including Myanmar," where "massive use continues," and Syria, where civilians face increasing danger as they return to contaminated areas.
Civilians represented 90% of these casualties, with nearly half being children, the report emphasized. Myanmar recorded the "highest casualty toll" for the second consecutive year.
"This year's findings make clear both the scale of new challenges and the need to stay united in upholding commitments and maintaining vital compliance efforts,” said Mark Hiznay, the Landmine Monitor editor for ban policy.
The comprehensive 163-page report noted both achievements and setbacks. Over half of affected states reduced mine contamination in 2024, and since the Mine Ban Treaty took effect in 1999, 31 states have completed clearance, with Oman joining this group in 2025. Additionally, two new accessions, the Marshall Islands and Tonga, brought the total number of treaty parties to 166, representing 85% of the world.
Yet, the path toward a mine-free world is becoming increasingly difficult. The total cleared area fell in 2024 due to limited funding and growing insecurity, while donor contributions for victim assistance—representing only 5% of mine action funding—dropped nearly 25%. A U.S. freeze on foreign aid early in 2025 exacerbated the shortfall, the report noted.
"Behind each statistic is a family and a community still living with the consequences of landmines," said funding editor Ruth Bottomley. "The decline in funding for victim assistance is alarming and must be urgently reversed."
The report also pointed to ongoing or potential new use of mines by countries including Russia, Myanmar, and Ukraine, alongside withdrawals or attempted withdrawals from the Mine Ban Treaty—trends signaling a "dangerous erosion of the global norm," according to the report.
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