International Day of Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Assistance (04/04)

«Without mine action, there will be no full peace. I urge all Member States to ensure that this issue remains high on the international agenda in the context of peace negotiations, conflict damage prevention efforts, and emergency humanitarian assistance in war zones». UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was proclaimed on December 8, 2005 by the UN General Assembly. The relevant resolution № A/RES/60/97 established that it should be celebrated every year on 4 April.

The organization called for the creation and development of national means for mine action activities in those countries where explosive remnants of war pose a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of civilians, as well as impede socio-economic development at the national and local levels.

It seemed that in the age of high technology, mines had forever faded into the shadow of more precision-guided weapons. However, as the experience of recent years shows, mines still remain a formidable force and have even received additional impetus for development through the introduction of the latest high-tech developments.

Mine weapons are especially popular today among countries that do not have powerful military potential, including the so-called third world countries, or terrorist communities that do not have the ability to purchase modern high-precision weapons.

The main reasons for the popularity of mines — are their simplicity of design and ease of use compared to other types of weapons, as well as their very reasonable price. They are easy to install and can remain in a combat position for many months or even years without requiring additional maintenance or issuing any commands. They are not affected either by a change in the conceptual provisions of warfare at sea or by a change in the political course of the country. They just lie there waiting for their victim. And today is designed to draw the attention of communities around the world to this problem.

For more than 20 years, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has been responding to the needs of people whose lives are threatened by explosive devices, including civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarian workers. UNMAS saves lives by assisting in the deployment of UN Missions, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, the protection of civilians, and support for the voluntary return of internally displaced persons and refugees. Service staff participate in community reconstruction activities and campaigns aimed at promoting international humanitarian law and human rights.

Every year, UNMAS organizes a multimedia exhibition at United Nations Headquarters in New York to raise awareness of the threats posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices. And every year, events within the framework of the Day are held under a certain motto.

1234