International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was designed in 2005 by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness and seek assistance for mine action is observed every year on April 4. This day aims to highlight the dangers of land mines and explosive remnants of war, as well as to promote efforts to clear contaminated areas and assist victims. It underscores the importance of mine action in saving lives, protecting civilians, and enabling development in affected areas. The day also serves as a reminder of the international community's commitment to addressing the threats posed by land mines and supporting mine action initiatives worldwide.

History
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day on December 8, 2005. The decision was made to raise public attention towards mine action activities, the threats posed by land mines, and how to work towards their elimination. The day was first observed on April 4, 2006.

Over the past almost 20 years, the United Nations Mine Action Service’s (UNMAS) work has encouraged the needs of affected individuals and adapted to the threat of risks faced by humanitarians. The service calls for the continuation of certain initiatives that promote the expansion of national-mine action capacity in areas where mines and explosives pose a threat to civilians’ lives.

The day is significant as it marks the establishment of the UN’s accountability framework and the introduction to the UN's Theory of Change in mine action program. The day also aids peacekeepers to carry out patrols, help humanitarians, raise awareness against mines among people living in dangerous atmospheres and educate them how to survive fearlessly and not worry about compromising their lives.

The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action seeks to achieve a world free of land mines and explosive remnants of war. This is to help individuals and communities to survive in a safe environment where the victim's needs are taken care of.

The threat of mines
Mines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices (IED) continue to cause death and injury, especially in situations of armed conflict. On average, one person is killed or injured every hour. Many children are among the victims. The use of improvised explosive devices has expanded, terrorizing civilians and threatening humanitarian and peacekeeping missions and personnel.

Focus of 2024 Commemorations
The 2024 commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action focuses on disabled survivors of explosive hazards, and all people with disabilities living through conflicts. The United Nations has called for a greater responsiveness to the needs and rights of all people with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding settings.

The 2024 campaign will bring attention to the five-year anniversary of Security Council resolution 2475, which calls upon Member States, and specifically Security Council members, to consider and protect persons with disabilities; to ensure they have access to assistance, and to include them in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Events and activities
Various events and activities are organized to mark this day. In 2024, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) opened a multi-media exhibition themed “Witnessing a Way Forward: Protecting Lives. Building Peace. The exhibition highlighted the need for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2475 (2019), which calls on all Member States and Council members to take into account the needs of persons with disabilities in conflict situations.

Towards a mine-free world: the path forward
The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by mines and other explosive remnants of war. It is a call to action for the international community to work together to eliminate these threats and to ensure the safety and well-being of all people, particularly those living in conflict-affected areas.