The UN children's agency stated on Thursday, how last year saw a sharp increase in the number of civilian deaths—including innocent children—caused by landmines and explosive weapons in Myanmar, surpassing a terrible milestone of 1,052 casualties. This disturbing intensification took place against the backdrop of ongoing violence wreaking havoc across the impoverished parts of the country.

According to UNICEF, the use of landmines and explosive remnants of war caused a startling 270% increase in casualties in 2023. Compared to the 390 casualties reported in 2022, this resulted in 188 fatalities and 864 injuries, a notable rise. It is alarming to see that last year, almost 20% of landmine casualties were children. Due to the unrest following the coup in 2021, Myanmar is now among the nations with the highest concentration of landmines in the world, hindering its cautious transition to democracy.

To oppose the military in Myanmar, long-standing ethnic armed organizations have joined forces with an armed civilian opposition in recent years. The junta government is under unheard-of strain after losing an extensive assault that rebel factions have been executing since October. UNICEF warns that all groups involved in the intensifying violence are using explosive ordnance and landmines indiscriminately.

UNICEF's regional director for East Asia and the Pacific, Debora Comini, criticized the use of landmines, calling it both immoral and against international humanitarian law. According to UNICEF data, the agrarian heartland of Sagaing was most severely affected, accounting for almost 35% of all landmine-related fatalities in 2023.

BOB Post