On Mine Awareness Day, charities across the globe called on the international community to act quickly and decisively as the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) continue to threaten civilians, particularly in war zones. The alarm was raised as demining efforts have struggled to keep pace with the increasing risks from these deadly remnants of conflict. Experts warn that delays in clearing these hazards are putting innocent lives at risk, with many regions still suffering the aftermath of war.

Several Baltic countries have also caused concern by announcing plans to exit the 1997 landmine treaty. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland have all stated they intend to abandon the landmark treaty due to increasing security threats from Russia. This move undermines Europe’s ambitious goal of becoming mine-free by 2025. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) has expressed deep concern, stating that the region’s progress in eliminating landmines could now be in danger of slipping backward.

As the global community struggles with ongoing conflict, charities have highlighted the alarming impact of mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other war remnants. These devices continue to kill or maim civilians in conflict zones and post-conflict regions, with one person dying or being injured by a mine every hour, according to UN data. Tragically, children are often the most vulnerable victims.

Hasanali Aliyev, a survivor of a mine blast in Azerbaijan, shared his painful experience. At the age of 23, Aliyev lost part of his leg in an explosion, an injury that completely altered the course of his life. “I lost part of my leg and with it, my dreams. It changes your life completely,” he said. Survivors like Aliyev are a stark reminder of the lasting impact of these weapons, as well as the importance of ongoing efforts to reduce their presence worldwide.

Europe Confronts the Legacy of Hidden Explosives

While Africa remains the continent with the highest number of casualties due to landmines, Europe is not immune to the dangers posed by these hidden explosives. Countries like Azerbaijan continue to grapple with the aftermath of conflict, undertaking large-scale demining operations to restore affected areas. The Azerbaijani government has led public awareness campaigns and expanded safety operations to address the risks posed by mines.

Adil Aslanov, from Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), confirmed that clearance missions in the country have dramatically increased in recent years. The agency prioritizes the clearance of critical infrastructure, including roads, water supply systems, and communication lines, to speed up recovery and rebuild the country’s devastated regions.

“We focus on areas that are vital for everyday life, as well as the economy,” Aslanov explained. “By clearing these areas, we can help the country recover faster.”

ANAMA also works to train local communities to identify dangerous zones and avoid further accidents. This community-based approach has proven effective in preventing new injuries.

Ukraine, however, is facing an even more severe contamination problem. After years of conflict with Russia, one-third of Ukraine’s land is estimated to be littered with mines, unexploded shells, and other dangerous remnants of war. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reported that hundreds of thousands of these devices are scattered across the country, presenting an immense challenge for demining teams.

Experts estimate that it could cost as much as €35 million to clear these dangerous remnants from Ukrainian soil. Ukrainian officials have admitted that a lack of trained personnel is a significant hurdle, complicating clearance efforts and slowing progress. Despite this, demining operations continue, though workers face constant danger. The situation has worsened following the collapse of peace talks with Russia, which has added to the uncertainty and risk.

Survivors Call for Ongoing Mine Awareness Education

Survivors of landmine accidents, like Hasanali Aliyev, are vocal advocates for mine risk education. Aliyev and others are calling for greater investment in education and awareness programs that teach communities, especially children, how to avoid mines and IEDs. “Teaching children and families how to avoid mines makes all the difference,” Aliyev said. “It’s critical that we keep raising awareness to save lives.”

The trauma faced by survivors goes beyond physical injuries. Many people who survive landmine accidents live with lifelong scars, both mentally and physically. The psychological toll can be just as devastating as the physical damage, as survivors struggle to cope with the aftermath of their injuries.

“Without proper awareness, people unknowingly enter deadly zones and suffer preventable harm,” Aliyev added. This underscores the importance of combining demining efforts with education to protect civilians, particularly those in high-risk areas.

Charities and experts are calling on governments to act more quickly and decisively to fulfill their promises. They stress that both financial resources and political will are necessary to eliminate the threat of landmines and create safer environments for vulnerable populations.

“If we do not act now, more lives will be lost tomorrow,” warned one charity spokesperson. “The cost of inaction is too high, and it is essential that we continue to work towards a world free of landmines.”

For a world free of landmines, global leaders must prioritize both technical demining efforts and risk education. Survivors like Aliyev continue to share their stories to keep the issue in the public eye. “Every life saved means one less tragedy,” he said. “That alone makes this fight worth it.”