The United Nations has issued a renewed warning about the ongoing danger posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war in Libya, highlighting the urgent need for continued clearance efforts across the country.
The warning came during an event held last Wednesday at Tripoli’s Sports City to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness. The event was organized by the Libyan Mine Action Centre (LMAC) in collaboration with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), along with national and international demining organizations.
UNSMIL announced on Friday that high-level representatives from Libyan institutions, including the Ministries of Defense and Health and the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army, took part in the event. They were joined by diplomats and officials from countries such as Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Ghana, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ines Choma, the UN’s Deputy Special Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator, referenced LMAC data revealing that hundreds of millions of square meters in Libya have been marked as hazardous. She warned that more areas are likely to be added, especially locations where explosive devices remain hidden beneath rubble, posing a severe risk to civilians.
Choma stressed the importance of sustained mine clearance operations and public education to prevent further casualties and to ensure the safe movement of families and communities across the country.