Since June, at least 30 lives have been tragically lost due to these incidents, prompting urgent calls for action to protect children in the conflict-ridden region.

Nejmudin Kedir Bilal, the acting UNICEF representative in Somalia, highlighted the alarming situation, revealing that multiple children were victims of three separate incidents involving unexploded ordnances in recent days.

“Countrywide, at least four children are reported dead, and five children have been left with life-threatening injuries after playing with remnants of war,” Bilal stated in a press release issued from Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Saturday evening.

UNICEF has called upon all parties involved in the conflict in Somalia to take immediate steps to address this growing crisis. Among the recommended actions are conducting regular risk assessments, responsibly handling explosive remnants of war, and clearing existing landmines and unexploded devices.

Bilal expressed his deep concern, saying: "It's unacceptable that these occurrences are increasing in Somalia, following the reported deaths of six children in a landmine explosion in Hirshabelle State in June, and the reported 20 children's deaths in South-West State, in July. We offer heartfelt condolences to the families and communities of the victims. Every child has a right to a safe and protective environment. This must be a top priority in all situations, especially in Somalia, where the protracted conflict has left behind a legacy of explosive hazards."

To address the immediate risks posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war, Bilal emphasized the need for comprehensive explosive ordnance risk education for children and communities. UNICEF pledged to work closely with the government and humanitarian organizations to reduce these risks.

"This involves technical guidance and programming on risk education," Bilal added.

The United Nations reported that in 2022, more than 1,200 Somali civilians were killed or injured due to explosive ordnance, including explosive remnants of war, landmines, and improvised explosive devices, underscoring the urgent need for measures to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, from these deadly hazards. (ILKHA)