Mines harm not only people and animals, but also infrastructure. For example, a highway that can't be used due to mines can be fatal for a developing country.

The treatment of mine victims also drains resources from healthcare systems that are probably far overstretched already. Even worse is when large tracts of farmland lie unused due to a real danger or simply fear. When a region's infrastructure is unusable, or if schools, healthcare centres and other facilities cannot be rebuilt, the local population who have fled from conflict
simply cannot go home, and often end up living miserably in camps or slum areas in and around larger cities. As a result, natural social structures deteriorate and the rural areas depopulate.

12 year old Faduma was playing with a friend close to their village in Somaliland 8 years ago. They found a mine, men did not know what it was, so Faduma kicked it. She was in hospital for 2 years and today she has to manage with artificial limbs.

Living every day in mortal danger
For those who do return, everyday life is overshadowed by constant danger. Not being able to till the land or fetch water and other necessities can result in famine and malnutrition. However, this is nothing compared to life as an invalid.