Monday April 4, 2022
The United Nations on Monday reaffirmed its support for
freeing Somalia from explosive hazards and highlighted the impact that the
scourge has on the citizens.
James Swan, the UN secretary-general's special
representative for Somalia, said the world body is determined to bolster
national capabilities to counter threats posed by explosive devices in a
sustainable manner.
"The continued use of improvised explosive devices
(IEDs) poses a serious threat to the country and its population," Swan
said in a statement issued in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, to mark the
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
The theme for this year is "Safe Ground, Safe Steps,
Safe Home."
The UN envoy said the contamination by and from explosive
remnants of war and landmines resulting from years of conflict in Somalia
continues to have detrimental effects on safety and human security and hampers
development efforts.
About 500 civilians were killed or injured in Somalia in
2020 due to IEDs and explosive remnants of war; casualties totalled 669 in
2021, he said.
"The United Nations in Somalia remains committed to
working with the Somali authorities and partners on mine action, which enables
peacebuilding, humanitarian, and socio-economic development efforts while
protecting civilians," Swan said.
The UN in Somalia works closely with national and
international mine action specialists in responding to explosive threats faced
by communities while enhancing the capacity of Somalis to lead and coordinate
mine action responses, he said.
According to Swan, the support includes the provision of
explosive ordnance risk reduction, the delivery of survey and clearance
activities, victim assistance, stockpile destruction, and advocacy for
adherence to the international legal instruments.