War in Ukraine Highlights Danger Explosive Weapons Pose to Children
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(UNICEF) Ukraine was already among the most mine-contaminated regions in the world, endangering children who live, play and go to and from school in areas littered with landmines, unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). Since the war began, ERW have caused hundreds of civilian casualties and damaged homes, hospitals and schools, while also delaying and restricting critical humanitarian aid.
Over half of all civilians killed by landmines and explosive remnants of war are children
Landmines and cluster munitions are particularly dangerous given their indiscriminate nature and pernicious presence long after conflicts have ended. Antipersonnel landmines are victim-activated and cannot distinguish between the footstep of a combatant or a child. Cluster bombs are among the most harmful weapons to civilians because in addition to their immediate effects, they often remain unexploded, sometimes for decades, retaining their ability to kill or maim for years after a conflict ends.