(13-07-23) MOGADISHU – In a statement on Wednesday, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, the UNICEF Representative in Somalia, expressed profound sorrow over a lethal landmine explosion that occurred near the town of Bulaburde, in the Hirshabelle state of Somalia, on Sunday. The devastating incident claimed eight lives, including six children.
The tragedy unfolded when two families travelling together in an auto-rickshaw unknowingly triggered the deadly explosive. “Losing loved ones in such tragic circumstances is heartbreaking,” lamented Ms. Saeed. She extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed hope for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The incident underscores the perilous situation for children in Somalia, one of the most dangerous places for children worldwide, as highlighted in the recent UN Secretary-General’s Report on Children and Armed Conflict. The report accounted for over 3,000 grave child rights violations in 2022 alone, which included the deaths of 200 children and nearly 600 left maimed. Ms. Saeed emphasised the responsibility of all conflict parties in Somalia to handle ordnance cautiously, clear existing mines, and increase mine risk education. She also called for collective action to prevent further tragedies and reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to ensuring child safety in the region.
