A Deadly Legacy: Afghanistan's Hidden Landmine Crisis

Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with an estimated 10,000,000 landmines scattered throughout the country. The aid group, Halo Trust, estimates that since 1979, up to 640,000 landmines have been laid in Afghanistan. Landmines pose an ever-present danger to civilians, killing or injuring more than 40,000 Afghan civilians since 1988, according to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). In 2017 alone, more than 2,000 Afghans were killed or injured by landmines, approximately five times the number of civilian deaths in 2012.

Landmines in Afghanistan: History and Use

Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with landmines posing an ever-present danger to civilians. The exact number of landmines in Afghanistan is unknown, but estimates range from 640,000 to 10,000,000. Landmines have been used extensively during the country's decades of war and instability, with serious consequences for the population and the country's development.

The history of landmine use in Afghanistan can be traced back to the Soviet invasion in 1979. During this conflict, landmines were used to depopulate provinces, disrupt agriculture and transportation, and damage economic infrastructure. The Soviet and pro-Soviet Afghan government forces were responsible for laying the majority of landmines during this period, which lasted until 1992.

After the Soviet withdrawal, the country descended into civil war, with various tribal groups and the Taliban vying for power. Landmines continued to be used extensively by all sides in the conflict, often to immobilise opposing forces. The use of landmines during this period had a devastating impact on the country's socio-economic situation. Agricultural lands and grazing areas were rendered unusable, disrupting crop production and the transportation of food supplies. The presence of landmines also hindered the return of refugees, with an estimated one-third of the population fleeing the country during the conflict.

The extensive use of landmines in Afghanistan has had severe consequences for the country's population. Since 1988, nearly 44,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war, with an average of around 110 casualties per month. More than two-thirds of the victims were children, who often spotted the deadly devices while playing. The presence of landmines has also disrupted economic activities, with roads, irrigation systems, and agricultural and grazing lands becoming unusable. This has severely impacted the country's economy, affecting industries such as agriculture, livestock, and tourism.

The process of clearing landmines in Afghanistan has been challenging and expensive. Humanitarian mine action partners have made significant progress, clearing over 3,600 square kilometres of land since 1989. However, new landmines continue to be laid, and it is estimated that more mines are deployed each day than are removed. The United Nations has estimated that the clearance of a single landmine can cost up to $1,000.

The Taliban, which currently controls most of Afghanistan, has expressed support for a comprehensive ban on landmines. However, recent conflicts between the Taliban and opposition forces have resulted in the planting of new landmines. The success of de-mining efforts in the country will depend on the political will of the Taliban and the cooperation of neighbouring countries, such as Pakistan, which has also mined its border with Afghanistan.

The Impact of Landmines on Afghan Civilians

Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with an estimated 10 million landmines scattered throughout the country. The impact of these landmines on Afghan civilians has been devastating, with thousands of people killed or injured and entire communities displaced.

Landmines have been indiscriminately planted in grazing areas, agricultural land, irrigation systems, residential areas, and roads and footpaths, posing an ever-present danger to civilians. According to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), about 44,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or injured by landmines and other explosive remnants of war since 1988, with more than two-thirds of the victims being children. The real impact of landmines, however, goes beyond the number of casualties.

The presence of landmines has severely disrupted the social and economic conditions in Afghanistan. Large areas of agricultural land and grazing land have been rendered unusable, affecting crop production and livestock and disrupting markets and supply patterns. The contamination of water sources and irrigation systems has led to malnutrition and ill health among the population. The destruction of infrastructure, such as roads and residential areas, has hindered the safe movement of civilians and humanitarians and impeded access to socio-economic opportunities and development initiatives.

The fear of landmines has also played a significant role in the lives of Afghans. Men, women, and children live in constant fear of the paths and fields around them, and refugees and displaced people are afraid to return to their homes. The psychological trauma caused by the threat of landmines cannot be understated, as civilians are forced to live with the knowledge that a single misstep could be fatal.

The economic impact of landmines has been profound. Afghanistan's GDP has fallen substantially due to the loss of labour and capital, and the disruption of trade and transportation routes. The country now ranks 171st out of 173 countries in terms of greatest poverty and least development. The presence of landmines has hindered foreign investment and development opportunities, further exacerbating the economic crisis.

The human cost of landmines is staggering, with hundreds of thousands of people maimed and killed. The widespread presence of landmines has made everyday activities such as tilling fields, herding livestock, and foraging for wood and food extremely dangerous. The medical infrastructure in Afghanistan is often inadequate to handle the influx of landmine victims, and the cost of treatment and rehabilitation can be overwhelming for families, especially if the victim is the primary breadwinner.

The impact of landmines extends beyond the physical and economic realm. The constant threat of landmines has taken a toll on the mental health and well-being of Afghans, with many experiencing fear, anxiety, and trauma. The loss of limbs and the resulting disabilities can lead to social isolation, depression, and a decreased quality of life. The lack of disability laws and support systems in Afghanistan further exacerbates the challenges faced by landmine survivors.

The process of clearing landmines has been challenging and costly, and despite the efforts of humanitarian organizations, new landmines continue to be planted during periods of conflict. The demining process is often dangerous and tedious, and the lack of central government direction and infrastructure in the country has hindered progress.

In conclusion, the impact of landmines on Afghan civilians has been profound and far-reaching. The presence of these deadly explosives has disrupted lives, destroyed communities, and hindered the country's social and economic development. The process of clearing landmines and rebuilding affected areas is a long and arduous task, and the trauma inflicted on survivors and their families will persist long after the mines have been removed.

Efforts to Clear Landmines

Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with an estimated 10 million landmines scattered throughout the country. The process of clearing these mines is challenging and expensive, but several organizations are working tirelessly to make a difference. Here is an overview of the efforts to clear landmines in Afghanistan:

The HALO Trust:

The HALO (Hazardous Area Life-Support Organization) Trust is a prominent NGO dedicated to clearing landmines in Afghanistan. Founded in 1988, HALO has been working tirelessly to remove the deadly remnants of the Soviet occupation and subsequent conflicts. HALO's work continued even after the international treaty banning landmines was signed in 1997 and ratified by Afghanistan in 2002. They employ over 2,500 Afghans and have agreements with the Taliban authorities to carry out their life-saving mission. HALO's deminers use metal detectors and careful digging techniques to locate and neutralize landmines, often working in high-priority areas like schools and villages.

The Mine Action Programme of Afghanistan (MAPA):

MAPA was established in 1989 and is led by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). Since its inception, MAPA has cleared over 18 million landmines and explosive remnants of war, releasing thousands of square kilometers of land for productive use. MAPA's efforts have had positive impacts on economic growth, trust in the government, and land use. The program also includes initiatives to educate Afghans about the dangers of landmines and explosive devices, reaching over 22.4 million beneficiaries.

All-Female Demining Team:

In 2018, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) launched Afghanistan's first all-female demining team, empowering women to take on a traditionally male-dominated role. This team of brave women is not only clearing dangerous explosives but also serving as powerful role models in a deeply conservative country. The program offers vocational training in fields like archeology, tourism, and business, providing long-term career opportunities. UNMAS ensures that women are included in community discussions on utilizing territory cleared of explosives, promoting their voices in decision-making processes.

Other Efforts:

In addition to HALO and MAPA, there are other organizations and initiatives contributing to landmine clearance in Afghanistan. The Afghan Directorate for Mine Action Coordination (DMAC) collaborates with UNMAS and coordinates with humanitarian mine action organizations. The US, the largest contributor to demining programs, has provided significant support, and other countries like Australia, Denmark, Germany, and Japan have also offered funding. The work of these organizations and individuals is vital to saving lives, promoting development, and creating a safer future for Afghanistan.

The efforts to clear landmines in Afghanistan are ongoing, and while significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to rid the country of this deadly legacy of war.

The Cost of Clearing Landmines

Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with an estimated 10 million landmines scattered throughout the country. The process of clearing these mines is a costly and dangerous endeavour, requiring specialised equipment, trained personnel, and coordination with local communities and authorities.

The detection and removal of landmines is a complex and time-consuming task. In Afghanistan, the presence of mines has contaminated vast areas of land, including grazing areas, agricultural land, irrigation systems, residential areas, and roads. This contamination poses a significant threat to civilians and hinders economic development and reconstruction efforts.

To address this issue, humanitarian demining organisations, such as the HALO Trust, utilise a combination of methods, including manual demining with metal detectors, mechanical resources, and mine detection dogs. Manual demining involves meticulously checking minefields metre by metre, while mechanical resources like ground preparation machines can assist in softening the soil, clearing vegetation, and neutralising tripwires. Mine detection dogs, or "HeroRATS," are trained to detect the scent of explosives, speeding up operations and reducing costs.

The process of clearing landmines is not just about removing the physical devices but also addressing the broader impact on communities. In Afghanistan, landmines have disrupted transportation, crop production, livestock, water supply, and energy generation. The presence of mines has also hindered the return of refugees, affecting the country's ability to rebuild and recover.

The efforts of humanitarian demining organisations and the Afghan government, with support from the international community, are crucial in addressing the landmine problem in Afghanistan. However, it is important to recognise that the cost of clearing landmines goes beyond the financial burden and includes the social, economic, and environmental impacts on the affected communities.

International Efforts to Ban Landmines

Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with an estimated 10 million landmines scattered throughout the country. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) is a global coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that advocates for a world free of anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions. The organization was founded in 1992 by six NGOs: Handicap International, Human Rights Watch, Medico International, Mines Advisory Group, Physicians for Human Rights, and Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation. The ICBL has since grown to include over 1,400 organizations in more than 90 countries, working locally, nationally, and internationally to eradicate anti-personnel landmines.

The ICBL played a crucial role in the adoption of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Treaty. This legally binding international agreement bans the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines and places obligations on countries to clear affected areas, assist victims, and destroy stockpiles. As of March 2018, 164 states had become parties to the treaty.

The ICBL conducts advocacy activities, lobbies for the implementation and universalization of the Mine Ban Treaty, and supports humanitarian mine action programs. They also provide assistance and support for landmine survivors and their communities, and work to stop the production, use, and transfer of landmines, including by non-state armed groups. The organization monitors the global mine situation and produces reports and fact sheets to raise awareness and monitor compliance with the Mine Ban Treaty.

In addition to the ICBL's efforts, there are other international initiatives to address the landmine issue in Afghanistan specifically. The Mine Action Programme of Afghanistan (MAPA) was established in 1989, and since then, humanitarian mine action partners have cleared more than 750,000 anti-personnel mines and 33,000 anti-vehicle mines in the country. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has also been active in Afghanistan, and according to their data, about 41,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or wounded by landmines and unexploded ordnance since 1988, with more than two-thirds of the victims being children.

Despite these international efforts, Afghanistan remains heavily contaminated by landmines, and the process of clearing them is slow and challenging.

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