The United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) has expressed shock and was horrified by reports that at least 22 children were among 27 people killed in an explosion in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia recently.
According to the statement released by the Agency on Saturday while the report stated that further that the explosion was due to the detonation of an unexploded remnant of war in an area where the children were playing.
UNICEF Representative in Somalia, Ms. Wafaa Saeed said, “This tragic incident underlines the importance of all parties to conflict in Somalia to handle ordnance with care, to clear existing mines, unexploded devices, and scale up mine risk education among children and communities.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and wish the injured a quick recovery.
“No family should lose loved ones in such heartbreaking circumstances. UNICEF is working through its local partners to provide assistance to affected individuals and families”.
It was stated that the children are particularly vulnerable, attracted to remnants for their colourful, shiny or unusual appearance and unaware of how dangerous they are.
No matter where they are used, or how long ago they may have been deployed, explosive weapons can continue to endanger a child’s most fundamental rights for months and years to come.
The safety of children must be the primary consideration in all situations and no effort should be spared in upholding children’s rights to a safe and protective environment.
On Friday, a mortar shell explosion in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region has killed more than 20 mostly children and young people, aged between 10 and 15 years and injured more than 50, according to media reports.
Most of the victims who were killed aged between 10 and 15 years, according to news reports, which blamed the blast on an unexploded mortar shell which was struck and detonated near an area where the children and young people were playing.
Also in Mogadishu on Friday, a beachside hotel was attacked, with the Al Shabab extremist group claiming responsibility, according to The Associated Press, no fatalities were reported in the assault as security forces continued to battle with the militants overnight.