Aye Myat Khaing, Narinjara News, 27 February 2025

In 2023, landmines caused the death or injury of 1,003 individuals in Myanmar, as reported by the Landmine Monitor Myanmar (Burma), a Thailand-based research organization affiliated with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), during an event held on February 26.

In 2023, Myanmar emerged as the nation with the most significant global landmine casualties, overtaking Syria and Afghanistan.

Landmine Monitor Myanmar (Burma) additionally indicated that every region and state in Myanmar, with the exception of Naypyidaw, faces landmine risks. Each day, landmines claim the lives of an average of three individuals nationwide.

The report indicated that since 2020, the number of landmine casualties has increased twofold.

The Humanitarian and Development Coordination (HDCO) of the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) stated that from November 13, 2023, to November 13, 2024, landmine incidents in Arakan State led to 31 fatalities and 72 injuries.

A social advocate from Rathedaung Township in Arakan State mentioned, “The AA is removing landmines, yet there is minimal awareness among the local population. Furthermore, individuals harmed and fatalities caused by landmines continue to suffer greatly, receiving minimal to no support.

As reported by Landmine Monitor Myanmar (Burma), the majority of fatalities from explosive remnants of war and landmines from 2007 to 2023 were adult males. Nevertheless, in 2023, the fatalities among women and children rose after the outbreak of the conflict.