By Abdullahi Lukman
April 4th marks the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, an annual event established by the United Nations in 2005 to raise global awareness about the deadly legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
This year’s theme, “A Call for Global Action Against Landmines and Support for Affected Communities,” emphasizes the urgent need for continued mine action efforts, including clearing contaminated areas, assisting survivors, and supporting global initiatives to reduce the threat posed by landmines.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain a persistent danger in over 60 countries worldwide, often causing immediate and long-term harm to civilians, even in post-conflict regions.
These dangerous remnants of war hinder peace, stability, and development, while preventing affected communities from rebuilding essential infrastructure and accessing vital resources like farmland, schools, and medical facilities.
Despite significant progress in mine action, millions of landmines remain buried, posing risks to human health and economic stability.
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) reports that landmines and UXO not only kill and maim civilians but also have a far-reaching social and economic impact.
Landmines prevent the safe use of agricultural land, making it difficult for communities to produce food and generate income.
They also obstruct infrastructure development, making resettling displaced populations a challenge.
Children are especially vulnerable to landmines, as they may unknowingly come into contact with unexploded ordnance while playing or working.
In Africa, the impact of landmines is particularly devastating.
Countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and Sudan have suffered from widespread contamination, which has made it difficult for communities to recover and rebuild after conflicts.
For example, in Angola, decades of civil war left the country heavily mined, with landmines still scattered across rural areas, affecting agricultural activities and the movement of people.
As a result, communities in rural regions have struggled to access farming land, which is crucial for their survival.
Similarly, in Sudan’s Darfur region, landmines left behind by decades of conflict continue to hinder the safe return of displaced people to their homes and prevent the use of fertile land for food production.
Mine action includes several key activities, such as mine clearance, victim assistance, risk education, and advocacy for international norms.
The ultimate goal is to make land safe again, enabling communities to return to their homes, resume farming, rebuild infrastructure, and live without fear of encountering a hidden landmine.
The mine clearance process involves highly trained deminers who use specialized equipment to locate and safely remove mines, often in dangerous conditions.
In addition to demining, risk education programs teach communities to recognize the dangers posed by landmines and UXO and provide strategies for avoiding these threats.
Assisting survivors of landmine accidents is another critical component of mine action.
Victims often face severe injuries, including amputations, and require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support.
Furthermore, landmine survivors may struggle to reintegrate into society due to physical limitations and social stigma. International organizations, including the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations, play a vital role in providing these survivors with medical treatment, prosthetics, vocational training, and mental health support.
A major milestone in global mine action was the adoption of the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty.
The treaty, signed by over 160 countries, aims to eliminate anti-personnel landmines and obligates signatories to clear minefields, destroy stockpiled mines, and provide assistance to victims.
Despite progress, ongoing conflicts in certain regions and the failure of some countries to sign the treaty continue to hinder efforts to create a mine-free world.
The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action serves as a reminder that tackling the global landmine crisis requires collective action.
Governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and local communities must work together to support mine clearance operations, protect civilians, and assist those affected by landmines.
While much has been accomplished, significant challenges remain, and continued commitment and investment are essential to achieving a mine-free world.
This year’s theme emphasizes the need for further action.
It calls on the international community to continue raising awareness of the dangers of landmines, invest in mine action programs, and support efforts to assist landmine survivors.
By observing this day, the global community reaffirms its commitment to a safer, mine-free world, where individuals can live, work, and thrive without the threat of landmines.
Through sustained advocacy, education, and cooperation, the goal of a mine-free world is attainable, improving the lives of millions living in affected regions, especially in Africa, where the impact of landmines is particularly severe.