UNICEF reports that over 100 children in Syria were killed by unexploded ordnance in the past month, highlighting the grave danger posed by legacy landmines. The organization calls for urgent international support for demining efforts as millions of children are affected by this ongoing issue. Survivors often face severe injuries, necessitating immediate humanitarian intervention to safeguard lives and facilitate reconstruction efforts in Syria.
Recent reports from UNICEF reveal alarming statistics regarding child casualties in Syria due to unexploded ordinances (UXO) left over from years of armed conflict. In the last month alone, over 100 children have lost their lives, translating to almost four children dying each day on average. Since the onset of the conflict, at least 422,000 incidents related to UXO have been reported across 14 governorates. UNICEF emphasizes the urgent need for international assistance in demining initiatives to protect the five million children in affected areas.
The conflict has resulted in escalating risks for children, particularly in contaminated regions. Ricardo Pires, a UNICEF Communication Manager focusing on emergencies, disclosed that half of the reported UXO incidents have resulted in child casualties, stressing that this issue has remained the leading cause of child injuries and fatalities throughout the years. The recent surge in displacements, with over 250,000 children fleeing to escape escalating violence, has further exacerbated this scenario, making the threat of UXO constant and menacing.
Moreover, children who survive UXO explosions often face devastating, life-altering injuries and disabilities, which hinder their access to education and healthcare. UNICEF advocates for more humanitarian demining efforts, educational programs about mine risks, and support systems for survivors, emphasizing that as the international community discusses rebuilding Syria, immediate financial commitments to clear these dangerous remnants must be prioritized. James Elder, a UNICEF spokesperson, underscored that the cost for demining, in the tens of millions of dollars, represents an invaluable investment towards saving lives and reviving Syria’s economy.
The civil war in Syria has led to a catastrophic legacy of unexploded munitions, posing severe risks to civilian populations, especially children. The presence of landmines and explosive remnants of war has resulted in substantial casualties, with estimates indicating that a significant portion of the reported incidents has catastrophic outcomes for minors. UNICEF’s recent findings highlight the urgency for demining operations and international support to mitigate the ongoing dangers in affected regions.
The statistics reported by UNICEF accentuate an urgent humanitarian crisis that demands global attention and action. Children in Syria remain at an unacceptably high risk of injury and death due to remnants of warfare, notably UXOs. Effective demining initiatives, supported by sufficient funding and resources, are crucial to ensuring the safety of the younger population in Syria, allowing for a potential return to normalcy and the reconstruction of the nation.
Original Source: news.un.org
