Tehran – IRAF- The European Commission, in its latest report today on Monday, 16 February 2026, warned about the continuing risk to Afghan civilians from landmines and explosive remnants left over from years of conflict.
The Commission considers mine clearance a crucial step toward restoring stability and normal life in Afghan communities. It emphasized that, despite the end of armed conflict in Afghanistan, landmines and unexploded ordnance from years of war continue to threaten civilian lives.
High Proportion of Children Among Mine Victims
According to the EU report, since 1989, over 45,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance. Alarmingly, a large share of the victims are children.
EU Support for Mine Clearance
The report highlighted that the European Union supports mine clearance programs in Afghanistan. The aim is to ensure that local populations can safely use farmland, build homes, and construct schools without fear of deadly explosions.
Afghanistan Ranks Third Globally in Mine and Explosive Casualties
The UN has also warned that Afghanistan ranks third in the world in casualties caused by landmines and leftover explosives, with children accounting for 80% of the victims.
According to the Halo Trust, approximately 50 people per month were killed or injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan last year. Furthermore, 6.4 million people remain at direct risk from these deadly remnants, and over 3.3 million live within one kilometer of contaminated areas.
After decades of armed conflict, large areas of Afghan territory are still contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants, posing daily threats to civilians, especially children.
