UNICEF Myanmar expressed deep concern and sadness over the deaths of an eight year-old and a 13 year-old girl caused by an explosive device that was found at Mat Lan village in Laihka Township, Shan State. “At this particular time our thoughts go to the affected families,” a UNICEF statement said on 18 November.
The statement continued, “In 2015, UNICEF documented a total of 10 child deaths and 14 severe injuries of children from landmines and unexploded ordnance. UNICEF is aware that there are many more instances that are not reported.
In at least seven States of Myanmar, landmines and explosive remnants of war left behind from armed conflict or placed intentionally continue to cause harm to vulnerable populations, especially children and women.”
It concludes, “UNICEF calls on all parties to stop the use of landmines everywhere and to protect schools, health facilities and other places used by children from any attacks in the on-going conflicts in Myanmar. UNICEF also calls for the urgent roll out of on-going mine risk education and victim assistance programming supported by its partners in all affected areas of Myanmar.”
