UNICEF requests the international support for Iraq in facing the threat of mines

 Baghdad-INA

 
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) called on the international community to support Iraq in facing the threat of landmines.
 
UNICEF said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): " UNICEF is deeply concerned after the reported deaths of a 10-year-old child on 24 August in Diyala by the detonation of an explosive remnant of war (ERW) and of a 11-year-old child on 25 August in Muradiya Village, South of Baquba, due to an IED. UNICEF expresses its deep sorrow and condolences to the children’s families, friends and their communities.
 
UNICEF urges the Iraqi government and the donor community to support the scale up and provision of Explosive Ordnance Risk Education activities so that children and other community members receive explosive ordnance risk education in schools and communities in all areas previously affected by conflict in Iraq.
 
The statement added “Child safety must remain as the primary consideration in all contexts. Landmines and ERW often result in civilian casualties, with children being the most vulnerable. Since children are smaller than adults, they are more likely to take the full impact of the blast and are therefore more likely to suffer death or serious injuries.