19 mln square meters of Sudanese lands cleared from landmines: UN official

19 million square meters of Sudanese lands have been cleared from landmines since April 2015 as part of a joint program with the Sudanese government, UN official said on Thursday.

Head of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Sudan Habibulhaq Javed told a press conference in Khartoum that "Despite what we have achieved, the mines risk is still standing in Sudan."

He pointed out that his programme needs additional funds to implement the plan of current year.

He commended the role of the Sudanese government in clearing the landmines, saying "Sudan is playing its role and committed to the Mine Ban Treaty."

Eastern Sudan states, particularly Kassala, are considered as the most affected areas by landmines in Sudan.

The number of landmines victims in Sudan is estimated at 70,000 people, 50 percent of who have lost their lives.

Landmines have also killed around 3 million cattle in Sudan, not to mention that landmines also prevent rehabilitation of infrastructures and provision of services at the rural areas, hamper evacuation and assistance for the victims at those areas and prevent exploitation of agricultural lands, pastures and water sources. Endit