Afghanistan: Funding cuts, insurgency hamper Afghan goal to clear mines by 2023

"The longer these minefields last, the higher the human cost"

• Uncleared minefields deter investment, hinder economic recovery

• International funding for landmine clearance decreasing

• Conflict makes clearance operations more difficult

• Landmines and bombs take biggest toll on children

• Graphic of landmines and funding: http://tmsnrt.rs/2bzitPo

By Josh Smith and Mirwais Harooni

SALANG PASS, Afghanistan, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's campaign to clear millions of landmines left by the Soviet invasion and ensuing civil war is in danger of stalling, as international aid slumps and militant violence makes more of the country inaccessible.

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