UN Human Rights Chief Reports 58 Countries Still Contaminated by Landmines
Poinews.com – The United Nations has revealed that at least 58 states and territories continue to suffer from landmine contamination, a critical issue highlighted by Volker Türk, the organization’s human rights chief. Speaking in a recent statement, Türk emphasized the persistent threat posed by these explosive remnants of war, which remain active decades after their deployment. Despite global efforts to eliminate landmines, the problem persists in regions like Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, where landmines have become a daily menace for civilians.
Landmine Impact Across the Globe
According to the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, a comprehensive report released by Türk’s office, landmines and unexploded ordnance caused over 945 deaths and 4,325 injuries in 2024 alone. The report underscores that the majority of these casualties—90%—were civilians, including a staggering 40% children, who have been disproportionately affected since 1999. These figures reveal the severe humanitarian toll of landmine contamination, with lingering dangers disrupting livelihoods and creating long-term displacement for communities.
“The fact that at least 58 states and territories are still contaminated by landmines is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in achieving lasting peace,” Türk stated. “These weapons not only claim lives but also shatter the fabric of societies, trapping entire regions in cycles of fear and vulnerability. We must intensify global cooperation to clear existing minefields and ensure no child is harmed by these relics of war.”
Regional Disparities in Mine-Related Casualties
Myanmar topped the list of mine-affected regions in 2024, recording 2,029 casualties. This figure includes both military personnel and civilians, with the latter suffering the brunt of the damage. Syria followed with 1,015 victims, many of whom were caught in crossfire or in areas where mines are used as part of prolonged conflict. In Afghanistan, 624 people were injured or killed, reflecting the country’s ongoing war-torn state. Other nations like Ukraine, Nigeria, Mali, Yemen, and Burkina Faso each reported over 200 incidents linked to landmines and explosive remnants, highlighting the issue’s global reach.
These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real-life tragedies. In Ukraine, for instance, landmines have been deployed in both urban and rural areas, complicating recovery efforts and trapping civilians in danger. Similarly, in Nigeria, mines have disrupted agricultural production, leaving families without access to food. The report also notes that landmine contamination creates “zones of danger” that hinder infrastructure development, education, and healthcare, further exacerbating the crisis in affected regions.
Landmine-related injuries often lead to lifelong disabilities, placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems and reducing the quality of life for survivors. In Yemen, where ongoing conflict has left vast areas contaminated, the UN estimates that over 10,000 people have been injured by mines since 2015. The long-term economic costs are equally significant, as landmines can render land unusable for decades, stalling economic growth and increasing poverty rates in vulnerable communities.
Global Efforts and Challenges in Mine Ban Implementation
While the Ottawa Convention—established in 1997—has been instrumental in reducing the use of anti-personnel landmines, its success is being tested by recent developments. Currently, 162 nations have joined the treaty, but several key countries with large stockpiles have not ratified it. Recently, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland withdrew from the agreement, raising concerns about the effectiveness of international efforts to ban these weapons. Meanwhile, Ukraine has suspended its implementation of the treaty, signaling a shift in priorities amid the war with Russia.
Türk called on these nations to reconsider their stance, stressing that the continued use of landmines undermines global progress. “States that have not ratified the treaty should promptly do so, and those that have withdrawn should quickly rejoin,” he urged. The report also highlights the need for increased funding to support mine action programs, which are crucial for clearing minefields and protecting communities. However, the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Mine Action has seen a sharp decline in funding, dropping from $125 million in 2018 to just $46 million in 2025. This reduction threatens the sustainability of mine clearance operations, particularly in regions with high contamination rates.
Despite these challenges, some nations have taken proactive steps. Lebanon, for example, recently joined the Ottawa Convention, demonstrating a commitment to ending landmine use. However, the report notes that progress is uneven, with certain regions lagging behind. Türk’s office is now working with governments and NGOs to address the gaps, emphasizing that at least 58 states and territories require urgent intervention to reduce the risk of landmine-related harm. The focus is not only on immediate casualties but also on long-term solutions to ensure safe access to land and resources for all populations.
Efforts to combat landmine contamination also involve collaboration with local communities. In many areas, civilians are trained to identify and report landmine threats, playing a vital role in reducing accidents. However, the lack of funding and political will in some regions has slowed these initiatives. The UN continues to advocate for increased investment in mine action programs, arguing that the cost of inaction far outweighs the expenses of prevention. As the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, the report serves as a sobering reminder of the work that remains to be done.
