Sun May 11 15:28:21 UTC 2025: ## World Failing to Clear Landmines, Leaving Civilians at Risk: NGO Head
**DOHA, QATAR** – The international community is failing to adequately address the lingering threat of landmines long after conflicts end, leaving countless civilians at risk, according to James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Cowan highlighted the devastating human cost of unexploded ordnance in conflict zones such as Gaza, Sudan, and Afghanistan. He attributes the ongoing crisis to a combination of military neglect and donor fatigue, arguing that while funding for conflict is readily available, investment in post-conflict cleanup lags significantly. Cowan emphasized the stark reality of civilians facing death simply by walking to school or tending their fields due to the presence of these deadly remnants of war. The interview underscores the urgent need for increased international commitment and resources to clear landmines and ensure the safety of communities affected by past conflicts.
First Piper 