United Nations Observes International Mine Awareness Day on 4th April

The United Nations Observes International Mine Awareness Day on 4th April. International Mine Awareness Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the serious impact of landmines and other explosive remnants of war on civilians. It also aims to promote the protection of persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding settings.

International Mine Awareness Day theme for 2024

The theme for International Day for Mine Awareness & Assistance in Mine Action 2024 is ‘Protecting Lives, Building Peace’. This theme highlights the importance of mine action in saving lives and promoting peace in affected areas.

History of International Mine Awareness Day

• The idea for a Mine Awareness Day was first proposed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1980.
• The ICRC had been working to raise awareness of the dangers of landmines since the late 1970s.
• In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated 4th April as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
• The first International Mine Awareness Day was observed on 4th April 1983.

Significance of International Mine Awareness Day

• More than 61 countries are still at risk of landmine contamination.
• Millions of people around the world are impacted by the effects of landmines, including injuries, deaths, and social and economic upheaval.
• The use of landmines has been linked to increased gender and maternal mortality, as well as reduced productivity and economic growth.

On this International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) calls for urgent action to address the global mine crisis. UNMAS urges Member States and stakeholders to:

• Take concrete measures to prevent and address explosive ordnance threats during and after armed conflicts.
• Support the victims of landmine violence.
• Ensure full access to assistance and protection for victims and persons with disabilities.

The article highlights the importance of International Mine Awareness Day, its history, and the significance of raising awareness about the dangers of landmines and explosive remnants of war. It also emphasizes the need for urgent action to address this global crisis and support the victims of landmine violence.