UNICEF decries increased deaths of children from landmines in Somalia

UNICEF has expressed deep concern over the rising number of children killed or seriously injured in landmine explosions in Somalia. Since June, at least 30 children have lost their lives in such incidents. The organization highlighted recent incidents involving unexploded ordnances, where four children died and five suffered life-threatening injuries. UNICEF urged all parties involved in Somalia’s conflict to conduct regular risk assessments, handle explosive remnants with care, and clear existing mines and devices. The organization called for increased explosive ordnance risk education for children and communities and pledged to collaborate with the government and humanitarian actors to mitigate these dangers. In 2022, over 1,200 Somali civilians were killed or injured due to explosive ordnance, including landmines and improvised explosive devices, according to the UN.

Source – CGTN