Landmine deaths decline

AT least 3,956 people died last year because they stepped on a landmine or other unexploded devices left behind in war, advocacy groups said yesterday.

The total is the lowest number since counting began nearly a dozen years ago.

The report, issued at the United Nations by Mines Action Canada, Human Rights Watch and other groups, cited the casualty rate and record amount of contaminated land cleared of mines as major progress toward a landmine-free world.