{"id":8649,"date":"2026-04-07T18:16:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrsly.com\/?p=8649"},"modified":"2026-04-07T18:16:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:16:24","slug":"human-rights-solidarity-warns-of-rising-landmine-casualties-in-libya-and-calls-for-real-investment-in-mine-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrsly.com\/en\/human-rights-solidarity-warns-of-rising-landmine-casualties-in-libya-and-calls-for-real-investment-in-mine-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Human Rights Solidarity Warns of Rising Landmine Casualties in Libya and Calls for Real Investment in Mine Action"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Tripoli, Libya | 4 April 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Human Rights Solidarity urged stronger national and international efforts to address the widespread contamination of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Libya, stressing that investing in mine action is a direct investment in peace and human security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), 63 people\u2014including 21 children\u2014were killed in 2025 due to landmines, ERW, and ammunition depot explosions. UNMAS reported the disposal of 57,203 explosive items and the delivery of risk\u2011education sessions to 42,321 people during the same year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organization warned that explosive contamination continues to hinder the safe return of thousands of internally displaced persons and threatens critical infrastructure. It also condemned the continued use of landmines and booby\u2011traps in residential areas, describing such acts as violations of international humanitarian law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human Rights Solidarity called on Libyan authorities to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

End the politicization of the mine action file
Provide comprehensive support to victims and survivors
Strengthen national clearance capacities
Prosecute those responsible for planting mines
Accede to the Anti\u2011Personnel Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions
The organization concluded by emphasizing that this year\u2019s UN theme \u201cInvest in Peace\u2026 Invest in Mine Action\u201d, reflects the urgent need for decisive action to protect civilians and build a safer future for all Libyans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ref: PRS 2026\/04\/1028<\/td>April 4, 2026<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Statement on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cInvest in Peace\u2026 Invest in Mine Action\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every year on 4 April, the United Nations marks the International Day for Mine Awareness[1]<\/a> and Assistance in Mine Action to highlight the grave dangers posed by landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These indiscriminate weapons continue to threaten the lives, safety, and dignity of civilians, obstruct humanitarian access, and hinder social and economic development long after conflicts have subsided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Globally, more than 100 million people<\/strong> live in areas contaminated by mines and ERW. According to the United Nations, one person is killed or injured every hour<\/strong> by an explosive device. Children make up a significant proportion of the victims, and the increasing use of IEDs in armed conflicts continues to endanger civilians, humanitarian workers, and UN personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the world commemorates the day under the theme: \u201cInvest in Peace\u2026 Invest in Mine Action.\u201d<\/strong> The theme underscores that mine action is not merely a technical activity, it is a strategic investment in peacebuilding, recovery, and sustainable development. Clearing contaminated land restores safety, enables displaced families to return home, supports livelihoods, and lays the foundation for long\u2011term stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to international reporting[2]<\/a>, at least 6,279 people<\/strong> were killed or injured by landmines and ERW in 2024. Civilians accounted for 90%<\/strong> of all casualties, and children represented 46%<\/strong> of the civilian victims in cases where age was known[3]<\/a>. These figures reflect the enduring and devastating impact of explosive ordnance, which continues to claim lives decades after conflicts end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Libya remains one of the countries most heavily affected by explosive ordnance contamination, due to remnants of World War II, subsequent regional conflicts, and the extensive use of landmines and IEDs in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL): 63 people, including 21 children[4]<\/strong><\/a>, were killed in 2025[5]<\/strong><\/a><\/strong> in incidents involving landmines, ERW, and accidental ammunition depot explosions in populated areas.
These incidents highlight the severity of contamination and the ongoing threat to civilians, particularly displaced families returning to their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Libya:<\/p>\n\n\n\n