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 about the dangers of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) and to promote efforts for their elimination.
- The annual observance promotes the development of national mine-action capacities in conflict-affected countries, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- 4th April 2025 marks the observance of the 20th International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
Theme:
The theme for International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2025 is “Safe Futures Start Here”, emphasizing the importance of mine clearance in creating safer environments for communities.
Background:
i.On December 8, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/60/97, designating April 4 as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
ii.The 1st ever International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action took place on April 4, 2006.
iii.The annual observance is led by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), which plays a crucial role in eliminating mine threats worldwide.
Role of UNMAS:
i.UNMAS works towards the removal of landmines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
ii.It coordinates UN mine action efforts, provides operational support at the country level, and assists in the development of policies, standards, and norms for global mine action.
iii.Key Initiatives:
- UN Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA): Ensures cohesive efforts across UN agencies.
- UN Mine Action Strategy: Guides policy and on-ground actions, endorsed by the IACG-MA Principals on 13 December 2023.
2025 Events:
i.The UNMAS and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) will co-host the 28th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and United Nations Advisers (NDM-UN28) from April 9 to 11, 2025 in Geneva (Switzerland).
- The event will bring together mine-action leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss pressing challenges and share best practices for mine removal and risk reduction.
ii.On April 1, 2025, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) convened its 1271st session in commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2025.
India’s Contribution:
i.India is a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty (1997) banning anti-personnel mines.
ii.Actively supports humanitarian demining in UN peacekeeping missions, including in Lebanon and Democratic Republic (DR) of the Congo.
Key Facts:
i.According to the 26th Annual Landmine Monitor Report 2024 by Geneva based Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, the number of casualties recorded in 2023 was 5,757, marking a 22% increase from 4,709 casualties in 2022.
- The ten countries with the most recorded casualties in 2023 were Myanmar (1,003) Syria (933) Afghanistan (651) Ukraine (580), Yemen (499), Nigeria (343), Burkina Faso (308), Mali (174), Ethiopia (106) and Iraq (102).
i.Around the world, more than 100 million people are at risk from landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices.
About United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS):
Director – Ilene Cohn
Headquarters – New York, The United States of America (USA).
Established – 1997
