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The International Day of Mine Awareness is observed on April 4th of every year. This day is observed to universally recognize the effects of explosives used during the war and the use of landmines by terrorist groups and other miscreants. On this day, the United Nations Organisation advocates the development and implementation of a universal legal framework to increase awareness about safety in mine-affected areas. The international organisation works in collaboration with the member states to improve the socio-economic conditions of civilians residing in post-conflict areas and advise the use of safe technologies for the safety of deminers.
| Name of the day | International Day of Mine Awareness |
| Observed on | 4 April |
| Reason | To raise awareness about the risks associated with landmines and explosive remainings of war. |
| Theme 2024 | Protecting Lives, Building Peace |
Table of Contents
History
- On the 8th of October 2005, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) announced that on April 4th of every year, the member nations of the United Nations shall observe the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
- The UNGA called the members and relevant authorities/organisations to focus on the development and establishment of national mine-action capacities with the help of the United Nations Organisation.
- The capacities will be established in countries that have abundant remains of explosives and mines that pose a grave threat to the health and safety of civilians and impact the socio-economic development of the affected locality or the country as a whole.
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What is the Theme of International Day of Mine Awareness 2024?
The theme for International Day of Mine Awareness 2024 is “Protecting Lives, Building Peace”. It highlights the importance of safeguarding civilians and promoting peace in conflict-prone areas. This is because mines and explosive remains continue to pose major threats to communities around the world. They sometimes also lead to life-threatening injuries, deaths, and development.
Similarly, the theme of International Day of Mine Awareness 2023 was “Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home”.
What is the Significance of International Day of Mine Awareness?
International Day for Mine Awareness is observed to encourage States and organizations to establish and develop national mine-action capacities. The focus is on countries where mines and explosive remnants pose a threat to the safety and health of the residents. Additionally, it also includes areas where these remnants make it difficult to implement social and economic development actions.
Here are other points highlighting the significance of International Day of Mine Awareness:
- It raises awareness about the multitude of threats posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war.
- It aims to address the global landmine issues.
- The day remembers people who have been affected by such sites.
- This global annual observance also aims towards increasing peaceful cooperation between states and organizations.
- It also advocates for the rights of affected people and communities.
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If you are planning to raise awareness about this important day on social media, you may use the dedicated hashtag. The hashtags for International Day of Mine Awareness include #MineAwareness; #landmines; #Mineaction.
United Nations Mine Action Service
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) was established in 1997 to eradicate the threat posed by landmines, mines, and remnants of explosive devices used during a conflict or war. The UNMAS is committed to eliminating these explosives with the assistance of the affected countries by helping them develop safety norms, eradication policies, and explosive standards. This specialised service is a part of the Department of Peace Operations of the United Nations and operates in accordance with the UN legislative mandates of the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly.
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FAQs
The theme for the International Day of Mine Awareness is “Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home”. “Safe Ground” is a global campaign to transform minefields into playgrounds; “Safe Steps” is exclusively for deminers who constantly live in the fear of the unknown; and “Safe Home” is to make residents of landmine-affected areas feel safe and secure at home.
This international day is observed on April 4 of every year, since 2006.
The United Nations General Assembly instituted mine awareness day on 8th October 2005.
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