The fourth of April commemorates the International Day for Mine Awareness, with the aim of reinforcing the importance of ensuring safety of local civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarian workers affected by explosive hazards and remnants of war. In result of the humanitarian commitment to eradicate mine-related damage, this day was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 97/60 on the 8th of December 2005.  

 

To protect local civilians from the scourges of landmines and explosive remnants of war that still endanger civilians in over 60 countries today, over a period of two decades, the United Nations Mine Action Service provided humanitarian assistance, promoted humanitarian and recovery activities, protected civilians and made advocacy efforts related to international humanitarian and human rights law. 

 

In that regard, The Geneva Institute For Human Rights would like to pay tribute to the victims of mine-related incidents and strongly encourages the development of national mine-action plans and clearing programmes in countries where mines and explosive remnants of war pose a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of local civilian populations, or becomes a hindering factor of  social and economic development. 

 

The fourth of April reminds us of our international obligation to ensure the promotion of peace and security worldwide through partnerships focused on reducing the availability of humanitarian hazards from landmines and hazardous remnants of war in post-conflict countries.

 

Thus,  GIHR insists on the need to reflect on the progress and raise awareness, at both an international and national level, on the remaining challenges in clearing landmines thereby ensuring the achievement of a world free of the threat of landmines and explosive hazards.