Author: Mahdi Mozaffari
The prolonged and deadly wars in Afghanistan have left behind a bitter and dangerous legacy. Battlefields and residential areas of the country are filled with mines and explosive devices that endanger the lives of millions and continue to claim victims.
According to reports from international organizations such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), “Afghanistan remains one of the most mine- and explosive-contaminated countries in the world.” Millions of people in the country live near these hazardous remnants and constantly face the threat of explosions and death. This danger is particularly severe for children, who unknowingly play in these contaminated areas.
Statistics published by the United Nations show that dozens of people in Afghanistan lose their lives or are injured every month due to mine and explosive detonations, with children making up the majority of victims. Such tragic incidents frequently occur across the country, serving as a grim reminder that the threat of mines and explosives remains ever-present, taking the lives of innocent people.
Suspension of a Mine-Clearing Organization’s Operations
After returning to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump suspended financial aid to various countries, including Afghanistan. This decision sparked multiple reactions at both international and domestic levels in Afghanistan. The interim government announced that due to the “suspension of these aids,” “50 humanitarian organizations” in Afghanistan have ceased their operations.
Among those affected, the suspension of aid has also impacted the mine-clearing sector, causing the shutdown of an organization in this field. The Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) recently announced that due to the “suspension of U.S. aid,” it has halted its “mine-clearance activities in Afghanistan and 11 other countries worldwide.”
NPA stated that mine clearance falls under the U.S. security assistance program, historically receiving bipartisan support in the United States. The organization revealed that in 2024, it received nearly $41 million in funding from U.S. government agencies for its operations.
NPA expressed hope that the new U.S. administration would continue its support, allowing the organization to resume its activities. It emphasized that mine clearance is an effective measure in reducing global poverty, enhancing security, and promoting economic development and stability. The organization warned that mines and other remnants of war pose a severe threat to people’s lives, livelihoods, and post-conflict development. The suspension of mine-clearance activities could have irreversible consequences for the Afghan people and severely hinder efforts to clear the country of war remnants.
UN Requires $21.9 Million for Mine-Clearing Operations
The United Nations has requested $21.9 million in funding to continue mine-clearance operations in Afghanistan in 2025. This request, made by OCHA, aims to finance organizations involved in demining programs across the country.
This appeal comes as Afghanistan’s mine-clearance programs in 2024 faced severe funding shortages. According to OCHA, organizations in this sector received only 40% of their required budget, leading to the suspension of some operations. This financial shortfall has raised concerns about the future of mine-clearance efforts in Afghanistan, highlighting the serious challenges these programs face.
Despite these difficulties, OCHA remains hopeful that donor countries will provide the necessary funds to support mine-clearance organizations in Afghanistan, ensuring the continuation of these crucial efforts. Sustained funding is essential for protecting civilians and preventing casualties from landmine explosions and unexploded ordnance.
The Consequences of Mine-Contaminated Lands
The failure to clear mine-contaminated lands in Afghanistan has devastating and far-reaching consequences for the country’s people and society. This issue not only poses a significant threat to human life and health but also obstructs economic and social development as well as the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
- 1. Human Casualties and Physical Injuries: Landmines and explosive remnants of decades of war continue to claim innocent lives and cause irreparable physical harm. Children, farmers, and those living in mine-contaminated areas are at the highest risk. These casualties not only bring immense suffering to families but also place a heavy burden on the country’s already struggling healthcare system.
- 2. Obstacles to Economic and Social Development: Mine-contaminated lands are unusable for agriculture and livestock farming, jeopardizing food security and exacerbating poverty and unemployment in rural areas. Furthermore, the presence of mines hinders the reconstruction of essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, and hospitals, slowing down Afghanistan’s economic and social development.
- 3. Psychological and Social Issues: Living in mine-contaminated areas causes constant fear and anxiety, severely affecting people’s mental health. This situation is particularly harmful to children, who face the risk of landmines while playing. Additionally, mines can force people to abandon their homes, leading to displacement and significant social and economic challenges.
“Clearing Afghanistan’s mine-contaminated lands is an urgent and vital necessity requiring serious attention and investment from the global community and the Afghan government. Until this issue is fully resolved, the Afghan people will remain at serious risk, and the country’s path to recovery and development will continue to face major obstacles.”
