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More than 90 per cent of all those injured by landmines in Afghanistan are civilians. According to a survey done by the International Committee of the Red Cross, children represent half of all injuries and deaths from landmines in Afghanistan. They are the most vulnerable victims, affected while playing, tending animals, or scavenging.
Landmines are one of the most insidious threats to global health. Statistics on the number of active landmines in the world are hard to verify, but experts estimate today that there are between 50 and 100 million landmines planted in minefields in over 70 countries.
Only 2 of Afghanistan's 29 provinces are believed to be free of unexploded battlefield detritus. Most mines were laid during the period of Soviet occupation and the subsequent communist regime between 1980-1992, but they were also used strategically during recent strife.
Growing numbers of returning populations are also at risk as they resettle across the country. Minefields continue to be discovered in Afghanistan at a rate of 12-14 million sq. metres per year.
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