Children and Amputees Bear Brunt of Myanmar’s Deadly Landmine Epidemic
November 22, 2024
Over the past decade, Myanmar has faced a serious and growing crisis due to the indiscriminate use of landmines. According to the Landmine Monitor report, the country has the second highest number of landmine casualties in the world, with over 1,500 people killed or injured since 2013.
Children and amputees are among the most vulnerable victims of this crisis. In 2023, children accounted for 40% of all landmine casualties in Myanmar, while amputees made up 60%.
The use of landmines in Myanmar is a violation of international law. The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, which was adopted in 1997, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. Myanmar is not a party to the convention.
The use of landmines has had a devastating impact on communities in Myanmar. It has caused widespread fear and insecurity, and has prevented people from accessing essential services such as food, water, and healthcare.
The government of Myanmar has taken some steps to address the landmine problem, but more needs to be done. In 2020, the government launched a National Mine Action Plan, which aims to clear all landmines in the country by 2030. However, the plan is underfunded and has been hampered by ongoing conflict.
International organizations are also working to address the landmine crisis in Myanmar. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is providing technical assistance to the government’s mine action program. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is providing medical assistance to landmine victims and is working to raise awareness of the dangers of landmines.
The landmine crisis in Myanmar is a humanitarian emergency that requires urgent action. The government of Myanmar and the international community must work together to clear all landmines in the country and to provide assistance to victims of landmines.
Here are some specific actions that can be taken to address the landmine crisis in Myanmar:
- The government of Myanmar should join the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
- The government of Myanmar should increase funding for the National Mine Action Plan.
- The international community should provide financial and technical assistance to the government of Myanmar’s mine action program.
- The international community should pressure the government of Myanmar to end the use of landmines.
- International organizations should continue to provide medical assistance to landmine victims and raise awareness of the dangers of landmines.
By taking these actions, we can help to end the landmine crisis in Myanmar and ensure that all people in the country are able to live in safety and dignity.
Children and amputees bear brunt of Myanmar’s deadly landmine epidemic
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