April 04 International Mine Awareness Day and Assistance in Mine Action

This day spread awareness about the threat caused by landmines to the safety, health and lives of civilian populations and encourages state Governments to develop mine clearing programmes.

*History behind the International Mine Awareness Day*

The General Assembly on 8 December, 2005 declared that each year on 4 April would be officially proclaimed and observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. It was first observed on 4 April, 2006. The continued efforts by states, assistance with the UN and relevant organisations, to help establish and develop national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosives war remnants constitute a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of people or hinders social and economic development at national and local levels.

Every year, UNMAS organises a multimedia exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to spread awareness about the threats caused by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices. With the co-organisers UNMAS announces a photo exhibition for the publice featuring the “Safe Ground” campaign, which promotes the linkage between mine action, sport and the Sustainable Development Goals by showing how replacing minefields with playing fields brings communities together and raises awareness about victims and survivors of armed conflict.