Source: Center for International Rehabilitation; Physicians Against Landmines (PALM )

UNICEF estimates that 30%-40% of all mine victims are children under the age of 15, and a growing child typically needs a new artificial limb every six to twelve months. These statistics illustrate the destructive potential of land mines and the extroadinary cost, in terms of quality of life and resources, that they generate.

It is estimated that Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. The tragic events of September 11th, and the ensuing military action in Afghanistan, make it even more important and urgent that the public understand the dangers posed by land mines and the costs incurred by their presence. The CIR has been active in disseminating information on Afghanistan and urging the United States Government to refrain from the use of landmines...

Although there are no known facts regarding troop casualties from land mines in Afghanistan, historically, the trend is not positive. In the Italian campaign of 1944 land mines accounted for 4.4% of U.S. casualties, in Vietnam the percentage rose to 33%. In 1990 land mine injuries accounted for 90% of combat related casualties in El Salvador.

Sources: UN Mine Action Program for Afghanistan, Landmine Monitor, Human Rights Watch, Physicians Against Land Mines
©2003 Center for International Rehabilitation. All Rights Reserved.

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