In 1999 in FYR Macedonia, a group of girls read a UNICEF brochure on landmines as they sit with other Kosovar refugee children. They’re taking part in a UNICEF-sponsored landmine awareness class.
ICEF/HQ99-0495/Jeremy Horner
Landmines and unexploded bombs kill or maim 8-10,000 children every year. In 2006 it was reported that on average 15,000 to 20,000 people were being killed or injured by landmines every year worldwide. Some 350,000 people are living with injuries caused by landmines in developing countries.
Landmines carry on killing children and their parents long after wars have finished. They’re a real danger to children, who can be attracted by the bright colours. Children are also less likely than adults to understand signs warning them about the dangers.
Landmines and unexploded bombs deny children their right to life, to a safe environment in which to play, to health, clean water, sanitary conditions and education.
Clearing up landmines after wars is difficult and dangerous. One landmine costs $3 to produce, but up to $1000 to clean up. If landmines aren’t cleared, it’s hard to rebuild countries after wars.
The 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa convention, is an international agreement banning landmines. Its official title is: the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. This bans the use, production or trade of antipersonnel mines. Find out more about this treaty.
How UNICEF helps
UNICEF works to protect children from the threat of unexploded ordnance in three main ways: mine risk education, support programmes and campaigns. Mine Risk Education (MRE) can teach children about the dangers in their local area and support programmes can help children and others who’ve been injured by landmines. Meanwhile, UNICEF campaigns to stop the use of landmines and puts pressure on governments to clear other explosive remnants of war.