Children are naturally curious and are drawn to objects that look like toys. Despite denials by land mine manufacturers, land mines are often attractive and enticing in color and shape. In some places, an unexploded ordnance becomes the object used in children s games. Efforts to educate children on what a land mine looks like are severely hampered because there are literally hundreds of models. Many land mines have written cautions or may be placed in areas marked by warning signs, but often children are unable to read the warnings.
Most civilian victims come from the poorest segment of society.
In poor families, children are often forced to do agricultural work, cultivating and planting in areas that have been abandoned by others. Children are also given the task of tending and herding the family s animals. As they follow their herds, they often wander into mine-contaminated land. They may also be injured as they do simple chores such as gathering firewood or carrying water. In many areas, children can earn money by scavenging, particularly for old scrap metal.