A top United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called Somalia one of the most dangerous countries in the world for children.
Wafaa Saeed, the UNICEF Country Representative for Somalia, spoke in relation to a recent landmine explosion that killed six children in HirShabelle.
Eight people died in the explosion.
Saeed expressed her sorrow at the shocking incident.
Speaking a few days after the explosion that occurred near Buloburde on Sunday, Saeed urged authorities and the warring parties to prioritize child safety.
She called for increased efforts to clear unexploded devices and existing landmines around the country.
The UNICEF Representative added that Somalia recorded over 3,000 instances of violations of child rights in 2022.
Last year, 200 children were killed in Somalia while 600 were maimed.