Tripoli: The United Nations has highlighted significant challenges in Libya related to mines and war remnants, which threaten civilian lives and impede development. The organization stressed the massive effort required for clearance, citing over 444 million square meters still contaminated.

According to Qatar News Agency, Chief of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSML) Mine Action Section, Fatma Zourrig, stated that the contaminated areas cover more than 444 million square meters, accounting for 64 percent of the lands at risk from these remnants. She noted that ongoing survey operations could increase this figure.

Zourrig reported that unexploded ordnance incidents have resulted in 16 fatalities since the beginning of 2024, including children, compared to only two cases in 2023. She also mentioned that experts estimate that clearing Libyan lands of war remnants could take approximately 15 years if the work proceeds uninterrupted.

The UN is collaborating with the Libyan Mine Action Center to c
raft a national strategy aimed at enhancing coordination among Libyan parties and organizing efforts in this domain. Zourrig emphasized the need for continuous commitment from all parties, citing ongoing challenges such as security incidents leading to re-contamination of areas. She called for increased cooperation between government bodies and the local community to ensure civilian safety.