UNICEF reports that unexploded ordinance killed two children per day in 2022
The situation of children in Afghanistan continues to be tragic; last week, eight children were killed by unexploded ordnance. Meanwhile, girls continue to be banned from secondary schools. Yesterday afternoon, an advocate for girls’ right to education was arrested.
Kabul (AsiaNews) – Life for children in Afghanistan continues to be tragic, as unexploded weaponry is having a devastating impact on them. A well-known advocate for girls’ education was also arrested yesterday.
Eight children died last week from unexploded ordnance, the UNICEF reports. They were collecting metal scraps to sell.
In 2022, more than 700 children died from unexploded ordnance, the UN Children's Fund noted, an average of two a day.
Afghanistan is the largest minefield in the world. Working with other groups, UNICEF is trying to raise awareness of the risks of their presence, but, with cuts in international aid after the Taliban seized power again in August 2021, funding for mine clearance has dropped.
According to various estimates, millions of anti-personnel mines have been left across the country after decades of war, not to mention the materiel left on battlefields and at military bases by the international coalition.
Meanwhile, two years after they were barred from higher education, girls still face a grim situation.
Matiullah Wesa, a 30-year-old campaigner for girls’ education, was arrested yesterday afternoon on his way home. “Matiullah had finished his prayers and came out of the mosque when he was stopped by some men in two vehicles,” his brother Samiullah said.
The Taliban have not made public the reasons for his arrest, but it follows the detention of a number of teachers who had criticised the ban on girls' education.
Last month for example, Prof Ismail Mashal was taken into custody in Kabul while handing out free books. He was freed on 5 March but has not spoken out since then.
Matiullah Wesa is the founder of Pen Path, an organisation that raises awareness among Afghans of the importance of girls' education by travelling to rural villages, talking to local leaders, and handing out books to children.
“We are counting hours, minutes and seconds for the opening of girls schools. The damage that closure of schools causes is irreversible and undeniable,” he tweeted last week as the new school year started in Afghanistan. “We held meetings with locals and we will continue our protest if the schools remain closed,” he added.
Previously, the Taliban said that schools and universities were to temporarily close in order to create a "suitable environment" for female students that respects “Shari'a (Islamic law) and Afghan culture".
Yet, despite repeated pledges, restrictions on women and girls have only increased over the last 18 months.
Recently, groups of women marched in Kabul demanding the reopening of schools; at least three were arrested only to be released the next day.
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15/01/2009
