ReliefWeb

Scope of the Problem: As of third quarter of 1390, there were 6,048 hazardous areas remaining in Afghanistan, affecting 588 sq. km and 1,930 communities.

Casualties: In the third quarter of 1390, 67 Afghans were injured or killed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, representing a significant decrease from a monthly average of 176 casualties in 1380. Of the total, 76% were children. It should also be noted that 85% of the overall casualties were caused by explosive remnants of war (ERW) or unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Mine Clearance:

• In Q3 1390, MAPA implementers cleared 85 communities; clearing or cancelling 349 minefields and 64 battle areas, and destroying 5,349 anti-personnel mines, 284 anti-tank mines, 24 abandoned improvised explosive devices and 153,676 ERW.

• Since the beginning of the programme 20 years ago, the implementers of mine action have cleared or cancelled over 17,539 mine- or battlefield areas throughout the country. 111 Districts and 1,867 communities have been cleared of mines and other explosive remnants of war.

• The Ottawa Mine Ban Convention requires total clearance of all anti personnel minefields by 2013. To date, the MAPA has progressed 54.13% in terms of area and 47.24% in terms of number of hazards towards this goal. An extension of the deadline is being prepared.

• New hazardous areas continue to be found in Afghanistan, increasing the challenge of the goals set by the Ottawa Treaty and affecting the progress towards them.

Mine Risk Education (MRE): 288,054 people received MRE in the third quarter of 1390. Of the total, 42% were female.