(Reuters) – The UN children’s agency reported a significant increase in civilian casualties, particularly children, due to landmines and explosive ordnance in Myanmar. The number more than doubled in 2023, reaching 1,052 victims. This spike was attributed to a 270% rise in casualties caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war, with 188 fatalities and 864 injuries recorded compared to 2022’s 390 casualties.
Myanmar has been embroiled in conflict and political turmoil since the military coup in 2021, leading to a surge in landmine incidents. The country has become one of the most landmine-contaminated nations globally. Children constituted over 20% of all landmine casualties last year, highlighting the impact on innocent civilians.
The ongoing unrest in Myanmar has seen an alliance between armed civilian groups and ethnic militias against the ruling military junta. The latter has faced significant setbacks in recent months, with rebel forces gaining ground in a series of offensive campaigns since October.
UNICEF condemned the indiscriminate use of landmines and explosive devices by all parties involved in the conflict. The agency emphasized that such tactics not only cause harm but also violate international humanitarian laws. Despite this, there has been no response from the junta regarding these allegations.
Debora Comini, UNICEF’s regional director for East Asia and the Pacific, strongly denounced the use of landmines, emphasizing their illegality under international law. The data revealed that Sagaing, known as the agrarian heartland of Myanmar, accounted for more than 35% of all landmine-related casualties in 2023.
As the conflict in Myanmar continues to escalate, the threat to civilians, especially children, remains a grave concern. The humanitarian situation in the country is deteriorating, with the use of landmines exacerbating the suffering of innocent victims. Efforts to address this crisis and protect civilian lives are urgently needed.
(Reporting by Reuters Staff, editing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
