Mine Awareness Day: Statement by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
Every Step Could be a Threat:
Children and Explosive Remnants of War
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
New York, 2 April 2026 – In conflict and post-conflict settings, children face daily the risk of being killed or maimed from mines and explosive remnants of war. On the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Under-Secretary-General Vanessa Frazier, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, calls for urgent and renewed attention and resources for the protection of children from these deadly threats.
“Children are particularly vulnerable to mines and explosive remnants of war. During my recent visit to Syria, recording a high number of new casualties, I saw first-hand how these hidden dangers continue to threaten children’s lives and futures. This is why strengthening mine action, clearance, and risk education is essential to protect children and allow communities to recover safely.”
Landmines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices continue to pose a devastating threat to civilians in conflict-affected areas and post-conflict settings. These weapons do not distinguish between civilians and combatants and remain active long after hostilities end, exposing and threatening children to major risks as they go about their daily activities, such as walking to school, collecting water, or playing outdoors. These weapons also impede income-generating activities, recovery, and access to health and education.
Every year, children are killed or maimed by explosive hazards left behind by wars. In 2025 alone, explosive remnants of war and mines remain one of the leading causes for the killing and maiming of children. Killing and maiming children contravenes international humanitarian and human rights law and is one of the six grave violations against children in armed conflict identified by the UN Security Council. Survivors then face lifelong physical disabilities, psychological trauma, and barriers to education and social inclusion. “These dangers not only threaten children’s lives but also undermine the safety, development, and future of entire communities,” SRSG Frazier added.
Strengthening the frameworks that protect human life and dignity is more important than ever, at a time when children face heightened risks from widening conflicts. The Special Representative echoes the UN Secretary-General in urging all States to adhere to humanitarian disarmament treaties and immediately halt any steps towards withdrawal from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention taken by several Member States.
The Special Representative reminds the international community of its responsibility in building a safer future for children and stressed the UN Secretary-General’s initiative launched in 2025 on upholding the norms of humanitarian disarmament, accelerating mine action as an enabler of human rights and sustainable development, and driving forward the vision of a mine-free world.
“It is our duty to ensure that children can live, learn, and play in safe environments. This is fundamental to their protection and well-being,” says Ms. Frazier. “I call on all parties to armed conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to take all feasible measures to protect children from the effects of explosive devices”.
The SRSG further honors the courage and dedication of mine action professionals and humanitarian workers who risk their lives to make communities safer. “Their work saves lives, restores hope and helps ensure that children can grow up free from the hidden dangers of war”.
“Protecting children from explosive hazards is not only a humanitarian imperative – it is an investment in lasting peace and sustainable development. The international community must continue to act decisively to ensure their safety,” she concludes.
Original text available here.