Libya Crimes Watch (LCW) monitored yesterday, Friday 27 February, the death of Laith Mohammed Muammar (11-year-old) following the explosion of a piece of unexploded ordnance left over from the conflict, which had been found in the street in the area of Qasr al‑Akhyar near the city of Al‑Khums, while he was playing with his friends.
LCW also monitored, on Thursday, 26 February, the injury of four (4) children, who sustained moderate to minor wounds following the explosion of a remnant of war found inside their family farm in the area of Khallat al-Furjan, south of Tripoli. They were transferred to Abu Salim Hospital for Accidents to receive treatment.
LCW emphasises that the continued loss of civilian lives, particularly children, due to explosions of war remnants reflects a significant shortcoming by the authorities in Libya in fulfilling their responsibility to clear mines and explosive remnants of war from civilian areas. This gives rise to legal responsibility for failing to take the necessary preventive measures to protect residents, in line with international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).
LCW calls on the authorities in Libya, including the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the relevant military authorities, to take urgent action to remove explosive remnants of war from populated areas and to establish and publicly announce a plan for the clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance. This should include publishing maps identifying dangerous areas, fencing them off, and warning residents.
LCW also calls on the authorities in Libya to strengthen community awareness activities on the dangers of explosive remnants of war, particularly in areas that have previously witnessed hostilities, to help raise public awareness, especially among children, and reduce the risk of such incidents recurring.
