UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed that message in his call to action on mine-clearance amid a “tragically surging” threat. “Landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices continue to threaten lives, hinder humanitarian aid and peacekeeping and block rebuilding,” he said.

In frontline regions of Ukraine, UN agencies also support awareness-building efforts to protect children from landmines. 

Live-saving lessons

“If we see one, we must call the police so they can remove it,” said Kira, a seven-year-old in the southeast city of Zaporizhzhia.

Taking the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-partnered classes is Anna Popsui, Senior Inspector at the State Emergency Service, who says that she and her colleagues always give out stickers and colouring books once the lesson is over.

“We also have lessons on what to do if they find themselves trapped under rubble,” adds Ms. Popsui.

‘Unimaginable horror’

In a related development, a Russian strike on the city of Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine on Friday killed at least 18 people and wounded another 75 including nine children. Most were playing at a park when the missile hit.

The UN Human Rights Office in Ukraine called the attack the deadliest single strike harming children it has verified since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.