Over 500 Afghan children killed or injured by explosives in 2024: UNICEF

In a post shared on X, UNICEF Afghanistan stated: “In 2024, more than 500 children were killed or gravely injured by unexploded ordnance or explosive remnants of war.” The organisation also highlighted its efforts to reduce these risks, noting, “UNICEF educated around 3 million children and caregivers on the risks of explosive ordnances last year, including how to identify, avoid and report them.”

In 2024, more than 500 children were killed or gravely injured by unexploded ordnances or explosive remnants of war.

UNICEF educated around 3 million children and caregivers on the risks of explosive ordnances last year, including how to identify, avoid and report them. pic.twitter.com/b3wtEA9dEt

— UNICEF Afghanistan (@UNICEFAfg) January 5, 2025

The picture accompanying the post showed children being trained to recognise and steer clear of explosive devices. These efforts are critical, as the remnants of war continue to threaten Afghan communities, especially children.

The HALO Trust, a demining organisation, reported in November that over 65 square kilometres of land across 26 provinces in Afghanistan remain contaminated with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The organisation called Afghanistan one of the four most heavily mine-contaminated countries globally. HALO, which operates with over 2,200 demining personnel in the country, emphasised the need for further international support.

The landmines, planted by the Taliban during the previous government to target foreign and former Afghan security forces, were laid without systematic mapping. This contamination continues to pose a grave threat, particularly to children playing in or around affected areas.

UNICEF and demining organisations stress the need for additional educational campaigns and operational support to prevent further casualties. The international community is urged to provide greater assistance to protect Afghan communities from these hidden dangers.