Afghanistan ranks third worldwide in fatalities caused by unexploded ordnance, with large areas of the country still contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned.

In a public message, UNAMA said the United Nations continues to seek funding for mine-clearance organizations working to remove landmines and other explosive remnants of conflict. These organizations also conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers posed by unexploded devices.

Children are particularly vulnerable, accounting for 80 percent of all casualties caused by these explosive hazards, according to UNAMA. Many are injured or killed after encountering unexploded ordnance while playing.

The UN mission stressed that public awareness and collective action are essential to preventing further casualties and saving lives.

UNAMA urged people not to touch unfamiliar or suspicious objects and to report them immediately to the relevant authorities.

The warning highlights the continuing humanitarian consequences of decades of conflict in Afghanistan, where landmines and unexploded ammunition remain a serious threat to civilians, particularly children.

UNAMA called for sustained support for mine-clearance operations and stronger community awareness initiatives to reduce casualties and make contaminated areas safer.

Mohammad Younus Akhundzada, the Islamic Emirate’s Minister of Energy and Water, departed for Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on Saturday to attend the 17th World Energy Forum.

The US Department of State has placed Afghanistan in Tier 3 in its 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, citing concerns over forced labor, child exploitation and inadequate protection for trafficking victims.

The report says Afghanistan has failed to fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking and has not made significant efforts to do so.

It also highlights the vulnerability of families, particularly children, to trafficking and exploitation amid poverty, economic hardship and the return of migrants from neighboring countries.

Afghanistan continues to face economic challenges and growing humanitarian needs, while large numbers of Afghan migrants have returned from neighboring countries. Experts say raising public awareness, creating job opportunities and providing support to vulnerable families are essential to preventing human trafficking and child exploitation.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate has previously issued a decree declaring human trafficking contrary to Islamic Sharia and called for action against the practice. Officials have also said the rights of Afghans are protected in accordance with Islamic Sharia and Afghan traditions.