Monitoring Organization: Over 123 victims of landmines in Taiz and the western coast; Houthis use 27 schools for production and storage.

Over 123 Victims of Landmines Documented in Taiz and the Western Coast

The Monitoring Organization for Rights and Freedoms has reported over 123 casualties due to landmines in Taiz Governorate and the western coastal areas. This figure includes 41 fatalities and 82 injuries.

Alarming Landmine Statistics

In a report released on Saturday, the organization highlighted the presence of more than 300,000 individual landmines in various regions. The report noted that children represent the largest percentage of victims, raising serious concerns about the dangers these landmines pose to civilian lives and safety.

Schools Misused for Landmine Production

The report also revealed that Houthi militias have utilized 27 schools for landmine manufacturing and storage over the past three months. This action violates safety protocols and endangers the lives of students and staff within these educational facilities.

Landmine Distribution Threatens Civilian Safety

The organization documented the widespread distribution of landmines around populated areas and civilian facilities. These include roads, schools, healthcare centers, grazing lands, and water wells. Such placements pose a direct threat to civilian lives and restrict access to essential services.

Urgent Call for Action

The Monitoring Organization has called for an immediate halt to landmine planting and usage in populated areas, public roads, and civil facilities. They urged the destruction of existing landmine stockpiles and the provision of accurate maps detailing their locations to facilitate identification and removal.

International Community Urged to Act

The organization appealed to the United Nations and relevant international bodies involved in the Mine Ban Treaty to exert serious pressure on the Houthi militia to cease landmine activities. They also called for an urgent and independent international investigation into related violations, demanding accountability for all responsible parties to ensure they do not evade justice.

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