Charities are urging leaders around the world to step up efforts to remove landmines. International Mine Awareness Day has brought attention to the ongoing dangers of unexploded mines. These hidden killers continue to harm people, especially in conflict zones.
Setbacks in the Global Push to Remove Landmines
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) is worried about the slow progress in removing mines. They have warned that some countries are even reversing their commitments to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. In March, defense ministers from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland announced they would leave the treaty. They said they needed to protect themselves from Russia, a justification that has upset many supporters of the treaty.
This move threatens the European Union’s goal to make the world mine-free by 2025. The United Nations says that every hour, someone is killed or injured by landmines. Children are often the victims, and the damage is not just physical. Mines leave emotional scars that last a lifetime.
The Story of a Landmine Survivor
Hasanali Aliyev knows this pain firsthand. At the age of 23, he stepped on a mine in Azerbaijan. The explosion left him with a life-changing injury. He lost part of his leg, and his dreams were shattered.
“I had big dreams like any other young person,” Aliyev said. “But after the explosion, I could no longer walk, run, or live the life I planned.”
He now works to raise awareness in his community. Aliyev wants people to know the dangers of landmines and the need to act before more lives are lost. He says that younger people, in particular, suffer greatly from the effects of landmines.
The Ongoing Threat of Mines Around the World
Experts estimate that up to 10 million landmines are still active in 64 countries. Every year, new mines are planted. Between two and five million new mines are added annually, worsening the global problem.
While Africa suffers from the most significant mine contamination, Europe also faces a dangerous legacy. Azerbaijan continues to deal with active minefields left from past conflicts. The government is working to clear the mines, but it is a slow and difficult task.
Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency has made it a priority to clear roads, water systems, and communication lines. These efforts are vital for the country’s recovery. Adil Aslanov, from the Mine Action Agency, says their work is helping communities rebuild and restore essential services.
Ukraine Struggles with Minefields
Ukraine, which has been involved in a brutal war with Russia, faces a similar challenge. After years of conflict, the country is littered with landmines. According to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), hundreds of thousands of unexploded devices are scattered across a third of Ukraine’s land.
The cost to clear these mines is estimated to be between €30 million and €35 million. Ukraine has committed to removing these mines but struggles with a lack of trained professionals. The war with Russia has made it difficult to clear areas, especially in contested regions.
Experts warn that Ukraine needs to remove at least two million mines to ensure public safety. Until this is done, the risk of injury and death will remain high.
Education and Awareness Can Save Lives
As the dangers of landmines continue, survivors like Aliyev urge the world to take action. Aliyev believes that educating people in conflict areas about the risks of landmines could save many lives.
“People need to understand the danger they face,” he said. “The world must protect future generations by eliminating these hidden killers.”
Survivors and experts alike stress that raising awareness is key to preventing further injuries. They believe that governments and aid organizations must prioritize education about landmine risks. Without it, many more people will suffer the same fate as Aliyev.
The Role of Charities and Global Cooperation
Charities play a vital role in the global effort to remove landmines. These organizations continue to press governments to allocate more resources to mine removal. They also push for increased funding for victim assistance programs.
The ICBL has called for more international cooperation in the fight to eliminate landmines. They warn that without stronger commitments, the problem will continue to grow.
At the same time, these organizations are working on programs to help survivors. These programs include rehabilitation, psychological support, and job training. Many survivors, like Aliyev, rely on these services to rebuild their lives.
A Long Way to Go
While the world has made progress in reducing the number of landmines, much work remains to be done. The goal of a mine-free world by 2025 is still possible, but it requires the cooperation of all nations.
Charities and survivors continue to call for greater action. They argue that the world cannot afford to ignore the dangers of landmines any longer. The longer it takes to remove mines, the more lives will be lost.
With greater global commitment, the dream of a mine-free world can become a reality. But this will only happen if governments, organizations, and individuals work together to take action.