The Persistent Scourge of Landmines

At least 6,279 people were killed or injured by landmines or 'explosive remnants of war' (ERW) in 2024, according to the latest report by the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, released Monday. Of these, at least 1,945 people were killed, while another 4,325 were left injured.

The total number of recorded casualties in 2024 was the highest figure of the past five years. A quarter of the casualties last year were the result of factory-made antipersonnel mines, while a third were from improvised mines. Civilians made up 86 percent of all casualties recorded. Since 1999, 40 percent of all casualties recorded by the Monitor have been children, who are more likely than adults to handle mines unknowingly or out of curiosity, mistaking them for toys or objects of play.

Landmines and ERW casualties were recorded in 51 countries and territories in 2024. Myanmar recorded the highest number of casualties at over 2,000, followed by Syria with over 1,000, Afghanistan with 624, Ukraine with 293 and Nigeria with 275.