The impact of conflict does not end when the fighting stops. As families return to communities across south Lebanon, unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war continue to pose a threat to civilians, including children.
Children may encounter these hazards in places where they live, play, and go to school. Knowing how to recognize hidden dangers and respond can help save lives.
On 3 November, around 450 students aged between 7 and 14 took part in an explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) activity at Tibnin Public Intermediate School. The activity was organized by UNIFIL in coordination with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the Lebanese Mine Action Center (LMAC) and the NGO Danish Church Aid (DCA).
The activity combined practical demonstrations and awareness sessions. Peacekeepers from UNIFIL's Sector West Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team introduced students to some of the equipment used in their work, including a specialized detection dog and a remotely operated robot, giving them a closer look at how the team works to address explosive hazards.
DCA led the awareness session, explaining the dangers of explosive remnants of war and what children should do if they come across a suspicious object. The message was simple: do not touch it, stay away and report it to an adult immediately.
“Since June, we've seen a number of people returning to communities in the south. They're returning to areas where we've seen conflict and a great deal of destruction. Some of the weapons used may not have exploded and may have been left behind,” said UNIFIL Spokesperson Kandice Ardiel.
“Activities like this engage children in a fun and interesting way, showing them the dangers so they can make smart decisions. If they come across something suspicious, they should stay away, call an adult, and keep themselves safe,” she added.
For Hiam Fawaz, director of Tibnin Public Intermediate School, raising children's awareness is essential given the risks in the surrounding area.
“Many dangers surround us today, particularly landmines and cluster munitions spread across the area,” Fawaz said. “Our children live among these risks. It is therefore essential to teach them not to touch any suspicious object they find.”
Alongside their operational activities, UNIFIL peacekeepers also support communities as they recover from the effects of conflict.
“Peacekeepers are here to help keep people safe,” Ardiel said. “This is part of our activities, especially to support children who are coming back to communities that have seen a lot of destruction.”
As UNIFIL approaches the end of its mandate on 31 December 2026, this activity reflects part of the mission's contribution to protecting civilians in south Lebanon. The explosive hazards left by conflict will continue to pose risks, making mine action and risk education important for communities long after the mission's mandate ends.
