4 April: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

Establishment of the Day and the United Nations’ Role

On 8 December 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated 4 April as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. This observance aims to highlight the dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war, which continue to threaten the safety, health, and livelihoods of civilians around the world. The declaration urges affected states, in partnership with the United Nations and relevant organizations, to strengthen their efforts in mine clearance and risk education.

For over two decades, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has led global mine action initiatives. UNMAS adapts its operations to address the unique risks faced by civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarian workers in mine-affected regions, ensuring that mine clearance and risk reduction activities save lives and support sustainable development.

UNMAS: Protecting Lives and Enabling Recovery

UNMAS plays a vital role in safeguarding communities and supporting humanitarian work by:

• Enabling the safe deployment of United Nations peacekeeping missions.
• Facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid in mine-affected areas.
• Protecting civilians from landmines and explosive remnants of war.
• Assisting the voluntary return and resettlement of internally displaced persons and refugees.
• Promoting adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law.

Antipersonnel landmines are explosive devices triggered by a person’s presence, proximity, or contact. Constructed from plastic, metal, or other materials, these mines are designed to cause severe injuries or fatalities through explosive force and fragmentation.

Detecting and Clearing Landmines

Detecting and removing landmines is an inherently dangerous task that requires specialized expertise and equipment. For instance, the S-mine is a particularly lethal type of antipersonnel mine, triggered by pressure or tripwires, making both movement and stillness perilous.

Once detected, mines are typically neutralized by defusing or safely detonating them with controlled explosives. Alternative methods, such as applying chemical agents or intense heat, can deactivate mines without causing explosions. In the event of imminent detonation, experts recommend lying face down to minimize injury.

While landmines are a grave threat to civilians and military personnel, they have also been used for strategic military purposes, including:

• Slowing enemy advances or protecting defensive positions.
• Creating confusion and psychological distress among opposing forces.
• Inflicting casualties and psychological trauma on attackers.
• Securing rear areas for combat support and logistics units.

Global Casualties and International Response

Despite international bans and ongoing clearance efforts, landmines continue to cause significant harm. For example, Myanmar remains among the few countries still actively deploying landmines, resulting in continued casualties. In 2017 alone, over 7,000 people worldwide were killed or injured by landmines—87% of them civilians. Myanmar accounted for 202 casualties that year.

Egypt is another country heavily impacted by landmines, with an estimated 23 million landmines buried within its borders—making it one of the most contaminated countries globally and ranking fifth in antipersonnel landmine density per square mile.

International bans on landmines not only save lives but also foster peace and cooperation. For instance, the shared commitment of Greece and Turkey to the Mine Ban Treaty has helped build trust and improve bilateral relations despite longstanding border disputes.

The Importance of Mine Awareness and Assistance

Landmines and explosive remnants of war remain a persistent danger long after conflicts have ended. They hinder social and economic development by restricting access to farmland, schools, and essential infrastructure, perpetuating poverty and instability in affected communities.

International cooperation and mine action programs are crucial to:

• Clearing contaminated areas and restoring safe access to land and resources.
• Educating communities about the risks of unexploded ordnance.
• Providing medical care and psychological support to survivors.
• Advocating for stronger compliance with international treaties such as the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty.

Global Mine Action Initiatives and Their Impact

Organizations like the United Nations Mine Action Service, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), and numerous NGOs are dedicated to mine action worldwide. Their work spans mine clearance, victim assistance, risk education, and advocacy for the universal adoption of mine ban treaties.

Thanks to these collective efforts, millions of square meters of land have been cleared, allowing communities to rebuild and thrive. The reduction in mine-related casualties has also improved human security and laid the groundwork for lasting peace.

How You Can Support Mine Action

Raising awareness and supporting mine action is essential to eliminating the threat of landmines. Individuals and organizations can contribute by:

• Sharing information about the dangers of landmines and the importance of clearance efforts.
• Donating to reputable organizations engaged in mine action.
• Advocating for national and international policies that promote mine clearance and victim assistance.
• Participating in community education programs to reduce risks associated with unexploded ordnance.

Conclusion

The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed annually on 4 April, is a crucial reminder of the ongoing dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war. It underscores the need for sustained global cooperation, humanitarian assistance, and advocacy to protect civilians, promote peace, and ensure sustainable development in affected regions.

By supporting mine action and upholding international treaties, the global community can work together to eliminate landmine threats and build safer, more secure futures for vulnerable populations worldwide.

For more information on mine action programs and global initiatives, visit the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).