The United Nations reaffirmed its support for ridding Somalia from explosive risks on Monday, emphasizing the scourge’s impact on the country’s inhabitants.
The UN Secretary-Special General’s Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said the world body is committed to bolstering national capacity to combat explosive device threats in a long-term manner.
“The persistent use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) poses a major threat to the country and its people,” Swan said in a statement released on International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action in Mogadishu.
“Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home” is the theme for this year.
The UN envoy said the contamination by and from explosive remnants of war and landmines resulting from years of conflict in Somalia continues to have detrimental effects on safety and human security and hampers development efforts.
IEDs and explosive relics of war killed or injured about 500 civilians in Somalia in 2020, he claimed, with 669 dead or injured in 2021.
“The United Nations in Somalia remains dedicated to cooperating with Somali authorities and partners on mine action, which allows peacebuilding, humanitarian, and socioeconomic development initiatives to take place while civilians are protected,” Swan said.
He explained that the UN in Somalia works closely with national and international mine action professionals to respond to explosive risks to communities while also building Somalis’ capacity to lead and organize mine action efforts.
According to Swan, the help includes reducing the risk of explosive ordnance, conducting survey and clearing efforts, providing victim aid, stockpile destruction, and advocating for adherence to international legal standards.