Kabul: At least eight children in the Lal Pur District, Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan were killed when an explosive remnant of war detonated near a school on January 10, 2022. Four other children, who had been attending class, were also injured. All twelve children killed and injured were boys.
UNICEF stated today that it was deeply saddened by the killing of the children and stated that the incident underlined how important it was for the international community to support Afghanistan to clear explosive ordnance and remnants of war.
“Equally important is to educate children and their communities about the risks and the preventive measures to take,” Alice Akunga, UNICEF Afghanistan Representative, said here today.
The use of explosive weapons, particularly in populated areas, is a persistent and growing threat to children and their families. In 2020, globally, explosive ordnance, including remnants of war, were responsible for nearly 50 per cent of all child casualties, resulting in more than 3,900 children killed and maimed.
While stressing that schools – and their surrounding areas – must be safe spaces for all children to learn and thrive, UNICEF urged all concerned parties in Afghanistan to take concrete measures to clear areas contaminated by weapons, protect children and keep them out of harm’s way at all times.
– global bihari bureau
