The United Kingdom has pledged an additional £3 million to facilitate the demining activities in five countries including Somalia in a move that could save over 50,000 people.
International Development Strategy Secretary Penny Mordaunt in a statement to mark the World International Mine Awareness Day said the funds which are in addition to last year’s £100 million would support demining in Somalia, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Burma, and Colombia.
“From today, UK aid will help save the lives of 50,000 more people in South Sudan, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Burma, and Cambodia by clearing mines from over five million square metres of land – the equivalent of over 19,000 tennis courts – and through educating vulnerable people about the dangers of landmines, keeping entire communities safe from maiming or death,” she said.
In Somalia, 75% of deaths and injuries caused by unexploded ordnance in 2017 were among children.
