The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, expressed deep concern over the ongoing impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war on Afghan civilians, particularly children, ahead of the International Day for Mine Awareness. He called for urgent international investment to sustain life-saving operations in the country.
Afghanistan remains one of the most heavily affected nations globally. In 2025 alone, 471 civilian casualties were recorded, with 67% being children, most of them boys. Bennett highlighted a January incident in Kunar province where children playing with an old, unexploded device resulted in the death of a five-month-old girl and injuries to six others. He noted that approximately 24% of all casualties occur while children play, while others happen during scrap metal collection.
The Special Rapporteur emphasized that landmine contamination is a violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to life, health, and a safe environment. Despite progress by demining teams in 2025, international funding cuts have forced reductions in operations, leaving vast areas contaminated and communities, especially children, exposed to preventable harm.
Bennett urged the international community to increase and sustain funding for mine action programs, emphasizing that clearing land is essential not only for safety but also for enabling education, agriculture, and safe return for displaced persons, framing it as an investment in Afghanistan’s future.
