International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed every year on April 4. The day is to raise global awareness about hazards posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). This day emphasises urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate these risks and create safer environments for communities worldwide.
Key Highlights
Purpose & Significance:
- Awareness: Focuses on educating civilians about the threats from landmines and ERWs.
- Safety: Aims to protect lives and health by promoting mine-clearing programmes.
- Global Impact: Highlights that explosive devices kill or injure one person every hour, affecting both adults and youngsters.
- Collective Action: Encourages state governments and international bodies to collaborate on mine action initiatives.
Global Collaboration:
- United Nations Involvement: UN-supported platforms lead actions to reduce the risks posed by mines and explosives.
- Annual Events: The day serves as a reminder of progress in global mine action and the continued need for vigilance.
- Key Meeting: The 28th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and United Nations Advisers (NDM-UN28), co-hosted by United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, is scheduled from April 9 to 11. This meeting gathers leaders and experts to discuss urgent concerns in mine action.
Historical Background:
- Inception: The United Nations General Assembly designated April 4 as International Mine Awareness Day in December 2005.
- First Observance: The inaugural event took place in 2006.
Key Objectives:
- Mine Clearance: Encourage and support efforts to clear landmines and explosive remnants.
- Community Empowerment: Help security forces and organizations promote safe living practices in mine-prone areas.
- Education: Teach communities how to recognize and avoid dangerous areas to live fearlessly.
Mine-Prone Regions:
- Notable areas include Cambodia, Colombia, Ukraine, Sudan, Afghanistan, and parts of Latin America, Africa, and Asia