Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Kazumi Ogawa, director at the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), reports that global demining work is under increasing strain due to rising conflicts and reduced humanitarian aid. She noted that she has never seen such a high number of conflicts in her career.
In Gaza, approximately 90% of casualties from explosive hazards related to the Hamas-Israel conflict are civilians, with children making up the majority. UNMAS indicates that between five and ten percent of munitions fired there remain unexploded, leaving lethal ordnance scattered. These hazards are cordoned off but remain in piles, posing dangers especially to children and returning residents who may unknowingly encounter them.
Similar issues are seen in Syria, where an estimated 200 people are killed weekly by explosive hazards—a figure far exceeding annual fatalities in other mine-affected countries. Afghanistan also faces continual risk, with reports of one child killed daily by explosives.
Ogawa emphasized that reduced funding, partly due to national budget shifts toward defense spending, is impeding mine clearance, risk education, victim assistance, and advocacy. Insufficient support affects the ability of international agencies, including the UN, to address the mounting risks effectively.
Beyond the immediate human toll, landmines and unexploded ordnance also hinder economic development in affected areas, posing long-term challenges for rebuilding and progress.