HALO Trust: 6.4 Million People in Afghanistan at Risk of Landmine Explosions; Children Are the Most Affected Victims

Photo: Wakil KOHSAR / AFP

The organization “HALO Trust” has announced that at least 6.4 million people in Afghanistan are at risk of landmine explosions and explosive remnants of war, with children being the most vulnerable and the majority of the victims.

According to the latest report by this organization, which works in the field of mine clearance, Afghanistan is considered one of the most contaminated countries in the world with landmines and unexploded ordnance. HALO Trust states that on average, around 50 people are killed or injured each month due to these explosions, and nearly 80 percent of the victims are children.

Farid Homayoun, one of the officials of the organization, expressed concern over the reduction of support resources and called on the international community to continue supporting mine clearance programs in Afghanistan. He warned that ignoring this crisis could turn it into a “forgotten humanitarian disaster.”

This warning comes at a time when, following the suspension of financial aid from the United States, the budget for humanitarian programs in Afghanistan, including mine clearance efforts, has significantly decreased. The United Nations has repeatedly warned about funding shortages and their consequences and has called for more support from the international community.

It is worth noting that remnants of past wars continue to pose one of the most serious threats to civilians, especially children, in Afghanistan. While many children in rural areas are more exposed to these risks due to curiosity or lack of awareness, delays in the mine clearance process could endanger the lives of thousands more children.