As we mourn the death of a young boy, Ali Ahmed Al-Waal Al-Awadi, who was killed in a Houthi landmine explosion in Al Abdiyah District in the south of Marib Governorate this week, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) Health and Environmental Aid Department Director Abdullah Saleh Al-Moallem shared some insights into the effects of landmines on children in Yemen today.
“The situation of mines in Yemen is extremely critical. The Houthis placed more than two million mines. There are no maps which makes it very risky. Most of the victims are the poor and marginalised small groups – there is a high number of victims among children.
“I am specialised in Children Healthcare and I recognise the threats. Children are usually not capable of identifying the threats. Landmines in the form of toys are placed everywhere, which makes them attractive to children. 85% of children victims die before they reach the hospitals. This is in violation of international humanitarian law.
“The problem is not infrastructure: the cost of a landmine is very low and the cost of its placing is trivial; however, the removal of that landmine and the rehabilitation of victims is extremely costly. Usually, it does not allow children to continue their lives.”
In April 2021, Project Masam launched a Public Awareness Poster Campaign across nine Governorates, addressing several critical issues and sharing the following messages targeted to the local population: Avoid touching any foreign object you might find in your farm, house or track. Report any foreign object or concern to Project Masam immediately. Do not store explosive devices in your home. Protect the lives of your countrymen.
This campaign is supported by daily activities carried out by Project Masam demining teams, who already work with local communities by raising awareness of the ongoing threat posed by mines across villages and towns – with a focus on educating children.
