A report from an international organization indicates that as a result of the wars in Afghanistan, Libya, Ukraine, and Yemen, the number of landmine casualties in 2016 has exceptionally increased for the second consecutive year. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines stated in its annual report on Thursday that in 2016, the number of landmine victims, both killed and injured, reached 8,605. The separate statistics for fatalities are close to 2,100. A look at the statistics of landmine explosions from 1999 shows that the highest number corresponds to 2016. Lauren Percy, one of the contributors to this report, stated, "Several acute conflicts where no attention has been paid to the preservation and safety of civilians have caused the number of landmine victims to increase continuously over the past two years." The statement noted, "Such statistics indicate the necessity for all countries in the world to join the Mine Ban Treaty and also to increase cooperation regarding the victims of mine casualties." According to the report from the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, three-quarters of the casualties from anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions last year were civilians. Additionally, at least 1,544 children were victims of landmine explosions in 2016. This figure is the highest recorded by this organization to date. According to this data, 42% of civilian mine victims were children. Since the Mine Ban Treaty was introduced in 1999, the production and stockpiling of mines have decreased. Currently, 162 countries have joined this treaty. The report states that Myanmar (Burma) and Syria, which are not signatories to this treaty, are the only two countries whose governments have used anti-personnel mines. Non-state military actors have also extensively used mines in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Ukraine. The report also identifies Ukraine as a violator of the Mine Ban Treaty, as the country has failed to clear and destroy its stockpiles of mines within the stipulated timeframe. There is also positive news in this report. The number of cleared mines in 2016 was nearly 2.2 million. Belarus has also begun clearing and destroying its stockpile of mines since April 2017. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997.
Increase in Mine-Related Casualties in 2016; Over 1500 Children Have Fallen Victim
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines reported a significant increase in landmine casualties in 2016, with over 8,600 victims, including more than 1,500 children. This rise is attributed to ongoing conflicts in various countries where civilian safety has been neglected. The report emphasizes the urgent need for global cooperation to address the issue of landmine casualties.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines reported a dramatic increase in landmine casualties in 2016, with over 8,600 victims, including more than 1,500 children. This rise is attributed to ongoing conflicts where civilian safety has been overlooked.
- The number of landmine casualties reached 8,605 in 2016, the highest since 1999.
- Three-quarters of the casualties were civilians, with 42% being children.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Landmines are explosive devices planted in the ground that can remain dangerous long after conflicts have ended, posing risks to civilians, especially children. The Mine Ban Treaty aims to eliminate the use of such weapons.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%