Afghanistan ranks third globally for the highest number of casualties caused by explosive ordnance, the United Nations Mine Action Programme said, warning that explosive remnants of war continue to threaten livelihoods and food security.
According to the UN assessment, contamination from landmines and unexploded ordnance has restricted access to agricultural land, water resources, residential areas and grazing land.
The report says more than 1,069 square kilometres of Afghan territory remain contaminated with explosive ordnance. Grazing land alone accounts for about 756 square kilometres, posing a severe threat to families dependent on livestock and agriculture.
Children are the primary victims of landmines and unexploded ordnance, accounting for about 80 precent of casualties, the programme said. Many are injured or killed while playing and coming into contact with explosive materials.
The data show contamination has also restricted access to more than 120 square kilometres of farmland and over 155 square kilometres of residential areas and public facilities.
The UN warned that widespread contamination by landmines and other explosive ordnance remains one of Afghanistan’s most serious humanitarian challenges, with direct economic and food-security consequences for local communities.
About 2.7 million people live within one kilometre of contaminated areas, the report said, with 1,565 local communities and 258 districts affected.
The assessment found that hundreds of educational and health facilities are located near contaminated areas, putting children’s safety and access to basic services at risk.
The UN Mine Action Programme said that in December 2025 alone, more than 80 square kilometres of land were cleared of landmines and explosive remnants of war, and more than 18,000 explosive items were destroyed.
The programme stressed the importance of public awareness, describing it as one of the most effective ways to reduce civilian casualties, particularly among children. Alongside clearance operations, more than 2.2 million people have benefited from explosive ordnance risk education programmes, many of them children.
