UN Special Rapporteur Calls for Increased Funding for Demining in Afghanistan

Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has called for increased and sustainable funding for demining efforts in the country ahead of the International Day for Mine Awareness on April 4.

Bennett stated that Afghanistan remains one of the most contaminated countries in the world by mines and explosive remnants of war. He highlighted that children are the primary victims, with nearly 24% of casualties occurring while they play with such devices. Amu TV and Hasht-e Subh reported Bennett citing 2025 statistics showing 471 civilian casualties from explosive remnants, 67% of whom were children.

The rapporteur described the ongoing land contamination as a violation of fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health and a safe environment. He noted that recent budget reductions have led to the suspension or scaling back of demining programs, jeopardizing fragile progress.

Bennett emphasized that effective demining would allow children to attend school safely, farmers to cultivate their land and displaced people to return home. He also pointed to risks during scrap metal collection. Amu TV additionally reported a specific incident in Konar province where children brought unexploded ordnance home, killing a 5-month-old infant and injuring six others.

All three outlets -- Afghanistan International, Amu TV and Hasht-e Subh -- corroborated Bennett's on-record statement urging urgent international action to bolster demining funding and protect lives, particularly those of children.