The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is annually observed across the globe on 4th April to raise awareness and encourage the establishment and development of national mine-action capacities in affected countries.
The Day aims to address the persistent threat posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war to the safety, health, and lives of the civilian population.
- 4th April 2024 marks the observance of the 19th International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
- The annual observance is led by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).
Theme:
The theme for International Day for Mine Awareness & Assistance in Mine Action 2024 is ‘Protecting Lives, Building Peace.’
- The 2024 theme reminds the need to safeguard those at particular risk, including people living with disabilities.
Background:
i.On 8th December 2005, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/60/97 and proclaimed the 4th April of every year as International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
ii.The 1st ever International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was observed on 4th April 2006.
The Role of UNMAS:
i.UNMAS has been pivotal in addressing explosive hazards for over 2 decades.
ii.Their efforts are meticulously tailored to address the diverse threats posed by explosive hazards, ensuring the safety of civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarians.
Significance of 2024 Commemoration:
i.The 2024 commemoration centres on disabled survivors of explosive hazards, emphasising the trouble of all individuals with disabilities affected by conflicts.
ii.UNMAS marks the 2024 commemoration by advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding settings.
iii.The 2024 campaign underscores the fifth anniversary of Security Council resolution 2475 (2019).
- The resolution urges Member States and Security Council members to protect persons with disabilities, provide access to assistance, and include them in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
iv.“Nothing About Us Without Us” is the slogan used by disability rights activists to highlight the need to involve people with disabilities and initiatives that affect them.
UN Action:
i.The UN Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA) ensures system-wide coherence in mine action efforts.
ii.The UN Mine Action Strategy guides preventive measures and support for affected communities.
iii.The Principals of the IACG-MA endorsed the UN Strategy on 13 December 2023.
iv.As of January 2024, the Strategy operates continuously, subject to biennial review.
2024 Events:
i.On 4th April 2024, UNMAS opened a multi-media exhibition themed “Witnessing a Way Forward: Protecting Lives. Building Peace” in New York, United States of America (USA).
ii.The National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), in partnership with UNMAS and the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), observed the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, themed ‘Protecting Lives, Building Peace.’
- The annual event featured the preliminary launch of the National Mine Action Strategy, developed in collaboration with GICHD.
About United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS):
UNMAS is based at the UN Headquarters in New York, The United States of America (USA).
Director– Ilene Cohn
Established in– 1997
