UN: Yemen is the third country in the world affected by landmines and remnants of war

The United Nations said in a recent report that Yemen is one of the most prominent hotbeds of landmine contamination in the world.

“Yemen ranks third among the countries most affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war. In 2022 alone, the country recorded more than 500 casualties due to these hazards,” she added in a statement issued by the United Nations Office for Project Services.

The statement continued, "Years of conflict in Yemen have left devastating impacts on the country, including widespread contamination by explosive remnants of war. These deadly remnants of war pose a continuing threat to the people of Yemen, especially women and children."

The statement explained that the United Nations Office for Project Services and the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Yemen are working to expand the scope of much-needed mine action operations throughout the country.

He pointed out that the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services and with funding from the European Union, has begun to re-adjust the strategy of mine action operations, and that joint efforts will expand the scope of mine action activities throughout the country.

“Landmines and explosive remnants of war not only cause tragic loss of life, but also leave lasting injuries that impact families and communities on a daily basis, with children and women being the most vulnerable victims,” said Julien Harneis, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen.

He added, "This initiative is important because it brings together all concerned parties to pave the way forward, with the aim of eliminating these deadly bodies and liberating the country from their destructive influence."

“This project is part of this broader effort to reduce the suffering of people who are already facing a very difficult humanitarian situation,” said Muriel Cornelis, Head of the European Union Humanitarian Aid Office in Sana’a.

“The EU investment will contribute to improving the coordination system for humanitarian demining, making it on the one hand more efficient and compliant with international quality standards, and on the other hand more accountable to the people suffering the consequences of landmine contamination,” she added.

“By creating an enabling environment for expanded mine action operations in Yemen, including through the development of robust regulatory frameworks, this initiative contributes to the joint efforts to enhance prevention, victim assistance and awareness of the risks associated with explosive ordnance,” said Mohammad Osman Akram, UNOPS Representative and Director in Amman.

The Houthi militia has been involved as the sole entity in planting mines in Yemen since the beginning of the war, as government and human rights reports indicate that the militia has planted more than 2 million mines in large areas of the country, and their incidents have caused the death and injury of thousands of civilians in recent years.