Global Landmine Crisis Demands Renewed Action & Funding
A new report, “Landmine Monitor 2025,” reveals a disturbing global trend: increased landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) contamination and casualties, highlighting the urgent need for reinforced action and sustained funding for mine action. The report, compiled by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), details new use of antipersonnel mines by state and non-state actors across multiple regions, alongside a significant civilian toll.
In 2024, at least 6,279 new casualties were recorded in 52 countries and areas, resulting in 1,945 deaths.Civilians bore the brunt of this devastation,accounting for 90% of all casualties,with children representing 46% of those cases where age was known.
The report documents new use of antipersonnel mines in Myanmar, Iran, and North korea during 2024 and the first half of 2025. Notably, the report details increasing evidence of antipersonnel mine use by Ukrainian armed forces, beginning in late 2024 following the receipt of mines from the United States. Ukraine is also reportedly manufacturing mines, including those deployed by drones. Investigations are ongoing into previous reports of mine use by Ukrainian forces around Izium in 2022.
Beyond Ukraine, tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border in July 2025 led to allegations from Thailand that Cambodian military forces deployed antipersonnel mines, resulting in injuries to Thai soldiers. Cambodia has denied these claims. Non-state armed groups continued to utilize landmines in at least 13 countries, particularly in the Sahel region of Africa, Colombia, India, Pakistan, and Myanmar.
Myanmar experienced the highest number of casualties in 2024, with 2,029 recorded incidents. Human Rights Watch has documented the Myanmar junta’s deliberate placement of mines in civilian areas,including homes,villages,and farms. Syria followed with 1,015 recorded deaths or injuries, with ongoing contamination posing a significant threat to returning displaced populations following recent political shifts.
Despite a significant increase in land cleared – 1,115 kilometers in 2024, nearly three times the amount cleared in 2023 – and the destruction of 105,640 antipersonnel mines, progress is threatened by funding shortfalls. While overall funding increased, largely directed towards Ukraine, international financial support for mine action decreased by 5% in 2024. The United States remained the largest donor, but its contribution declined by over one-third compared to the previous year.
The report emphasizes the particular challenges faced by states in Sub-Saharan Africa, which struggle to secure adequate financial support for clearance efforts.
“Clearing contaminated land is crucial to saving lives and allowing communities to regain access to their land and carry out their livelihoods,” stated a representative from the ICBL. “Concerned states should ensure that all countries in need get clearance support.”
The “Landmine Monitor 2025” underscores the continued global impact of landmines and ERW,and the critical need for sustained international commitment to clearance,victim assistance,and advocacy for a mine-free world.
