Myanmar Tops Global Landmine Casualties in 2023
In a stark revelation, Myanmar has emerged as the country with the highest number of landmine fatalities in 2023. This unfortunate distinction comes amid ongoing conflicts between military forces and insurgent groups following the military coup in 2021. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) published data indicating that over 5,700 people across 53 countries succumbed to landmine explosions last year, with Myanmar alone accounting for just over 1,000 deaths.
A Global Perspective on Landmine Fatalities
Following Myanmar, Syria reported the second-highest number of landmine fatalities with over 930 deaths. Afghanistan and Ukraine each experienced approximately 500 landmine-related deaths. It’s noteworthy that Syria held the grim record for the most landmine casualties for three consecutive years prior to 2023. This shift highlights the evolving nature of global conflict zones and the persistent threat posed by landmines in areas plagued by warfare.
The Civilian Toll
The ICBL report underscores a tragic reality: the majority of landmine victims are civilians. Globally, over 4,300 of those killed by landmines were civilians, accounting for about 84 percent of the total fatalities. Disturbingly, among these civilian casualties, approximately 1,500 were children, representing around 37 percent of the civilian death toll. In Myanmar, both military forces and insurgent groups are held accountable for the landmine-related deaths. Reports indicate that the military has allegedly forced civilians to walk ahead of soldiers in areas suspected to be mined, further endangering non-combatant lives.
Historical Context and Current Implications
Landmines have long been a weapon of choice in conflicts due to their low cost and high impact. Their indiscriminate nature makes them a persistent threat long after conflicts have ended, causing harm to civilians and obstructing post-conflict recovery and development. In Myanmar, the military coup in 2021 exacerbated the internal strife, leading to increased use of landmines as both sides of the conflict sought to control territories and protect strategic locations.
International Efforts and Challenges
The international community, through organizations like the ICBL, continues to advocate for a global ban on landmines and their eradication. The Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Treaty, which came into force in 1999, has been ratified by 164 countries. However, notable absences from the treaty include the United States, Russia, and China, countries with significant military capabilities. The ongoing use of landmines in conflict zones like Myanmar underscores the challenges in achieving a comprehensive global ban.
Critical Analysis
The data presented by the ICBL highlights a significant humanitarian issue that demands urgent attention. Myanmar’s position as the leading nation in landmine casualties reflects not only the intensity of its internal conflict but also the broader implications for civilian safety in war-torn regions. The use of landmines is a violation of international humanitarian law, yet their continued deployment by both state and non-state actors poses a critical challenge to global peace efforts.
To address this issue, a multifaceted approach is required. This includes increased international pressure on countries to join and adhere to the Mine Ban Treaty, enhanced demining efforts in affected regions, and the provision of support for landmine victims. Furthermore, there must be a concerted effort to hold accountable those responsible for the deployment of landmines, ensuring that such actions are met with appropriate consequences.
The tragedy of landmine casualties, particularly among civilians and children, calls for renewed commitment from the international community to advocate for a landmine-free world. While significant progress has been made since the inception of the Ottawa Treaty, the cases of Myanmar, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine remind us that the journey towards eliminating landmines is far from over.