International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was observed on 4 April 2017 across the world. The theme of the year 2017 is Needs driven. People Centred.
Mine action ensures that landmines and explosive hazards in war-torn areas are found and destroyed, making possible the delivery of humanitarian assistance so that people and supplies reach those most in need.
The United Nations Mine Action Strategy (UNMAS) coordinates teams to clear roads and runways of explosives, to block off weapons contaminated areas, and to train local people to demine and dispose of explosives.
About United Nations Mine Action Strategy (UNMAS) 2006-2010
The United Nations mine action activities are guided by four strategic objectives identified in the United Nations Mine Action Strategy (UNMAS) for 2006-2010. They are:
• For reduction of death and injury by at least 50 per cent;
•To mitigate the risk to community livelihoods and expand freedom of movement for at least 80 per cent of the most seriously affected communities;
•For integration of mine action needs into national development and reconstruction plans and budgets in at least 15 countries;
•To assist the development of national institutions to manage the landmine/explosive remnants of war threat, and at the same time prepare for residual response capacity in at least 15 countries.
Background
The UN General Assembly on 8 December 2005 declared that 4 April every year shall be observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
It was to foster the establishment and development of national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosive remnants of war constitute a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of the civilian population, or an impediment to social and economic development at the national and local levels.
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