Myanmar has now become the country with the highest number of landmine casualties, surpassing Syria, as a result of the ongoing conflict following the 2021 military coup. The situation has led to numerous civilian injuries and fatalities, largely due to the increased deployment of landmines by both the military and various armed groups. The crises disproportionately affect civilians, particularly children, highlighting the severe humanitarian implications of the ongoing violence.
As of last year, Myanmar has surpassed Syria to become the nation recording the highest fatalities and injuries resulting from landmines and explosive remnants of war. This alarming trend follows the widespread deployment of landmines amidst escalating conflict triggered by the military coup in February 2021. A comprehensive report published by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines illustrates the dire situation, revealing that landmine incidents have been reported across almost all regions of Myanmar, with casualties predominantly affecting civilians, including children.
The report specifies that the military junta and various armed factions are implicated in the increase in landmine use. Numerous instances highlighted in the report describe tragic civilian casualties, with disturbing accounts of military forces coercing civilians to navigate minefields, effectively using them as human shields. In one case, soldiers compelled a farmer to compensate for the deaths or injuries of livestock caused by antipersonnel mines, underscoring the severe human rights violations occurring alongside these military operations.
Furthermore, the study underlines that both civilian and military populations are deeply affected by this crisis. The insurgency, primarily composed of newly formed defense forces alongside long-established ethnic armed groups, perpetuates a cycle of violence that has driven the increased use of landmines. Incidents of landmines concealed in urban areas, often disguised as refuse, pose significant threats to civilians unaware of their presence, fueling concerns regarding security and safety in day-to-day activities.
The total number of casualties recorded in Myanmar last year reached 1,003, although experts believe this figure is likely a considerable underrepresentation due to inconsistent surveillance efforts. In comparison, Syria reported 933 casualties, followed by Afghanistan and Ukraine, each exceeding 500 casualties in the same context. It is crucial to note that civilians constituted a staggering 84 percent of the confirmed casualties, with children accounting for a troubling 37 percent of these incidents, revealing the profound impact of such conflicts on the most vulnerable populations.
The topic of landmine casualties in Myanmar is increasingly pressing, particularly following the military coup in February 2021, which ignited widespread conflict across the nation. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines has documented the surge in landmine deployment correlating with the current political and military unrest. This situation reflects a broader pattern of violence affecting civilian lives, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and advocacy for the protection of human rights.
In conclusion, the escalation of landmine casualties in Myanmar, overtaking Syria, signifies a critical humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict stemming from the military coup. With civilians bearing the brunt of landmine-related injuries and fatalities, there is an urgent call for comprehensive policies aimed at addressing the proliferation of landmines and ensuring civilian safety. The pursuit of peace and protection for affected populations remains paramount as regional conflicts continue to evolve.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
