UN warns of landmine contamination in 58 countries
At least 58 countries and territories are contaminated by anti-personnel mines, according to the UN. Volker Turk, the UN rights chief, highlighted the high civilian toll, especially in countries like Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. A recent report shows that civilians, including many children, are the main victims of landmines. The UN is urging renewed global efforts to eliminate these deadly weapons and support affected communities.
What we know
- Volker Turk stated that anti-personnel mines continue to kill and injure people, decades after being placed.
- At least 945 people were killed and 4,325 injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war in 2024 alone, with civilians making up about 90 percent of casualties.
- Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Mali, Yemen, and Burkina Faso each recorded more than 200 casualties in 2024.
- Mines and explosive remnants, including cluster munitions, killed or injured more than 5,000 people in 2025, mostly civilians.
- Contributions to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action dropped from $125 million to $46 million in the seven years to 2025.
