International Mine Awareness Day

International Mine Awareness Day History

International Mine Awareness Day seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and promote progress in their eradication. It aims to foster understanding about the serious and often hidden human security, humanitarian, and socio-economic implications attached to landmines and explosive remnants of war. The day is about reaffirming commitments towards ending the suffering caused by landmines and assisting survivors to lead wholesome, productive lives.

The inception of International Mine Awareness Day, marked on April 4 each year, dates back to December 2005 when the United Nations General Assembly formally established it. For India, a country that shares heavily-mined border areas with its neighbours, this day holds significant relevance. In conflict-infested regions like Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab, people continue to face dire threats from unexploded ordnance and minefields. It underlines the urgent need for mine clearance, victim assistance, mine risk education and the development of national mine-action capacities.

In India, International Mine Awareness Day is observed by organising awareness programmes, exhibitions, and demonstrations. These initiatives typically involve NGOs, government agencies, and community members and are aimed at educating people about the risks of landmines and the importance of their eradication for community safety and development. While the government is taking measures for mine clearance on the borders, steps towards providing assistance to victims and creating a mine risk awareness among the vulnerable populations have gained momentum. International Mine Awareness Day occurs each year on April 4.

Facts about International Mine Awareness Day

• The theme for International Mine Awareness Day in 2023 was Mine Action Cannot Wait. In 2022, the theme was Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home.
• According to the Landmine Monitor of 2023, there were 50 incidents of mine use.
  According to Phys.Org, in 2021 around the world, there were 7,000 landmine incidents reported. Over 2,000 people were killed and 4,000 were wounded.
• According to weforum.org, the countries with the most casualties from landmines reported are:
  1) Afghanistan
  2) Burkina Faso
  3) Colombia
  4) Iraq
  5) Mali
• Indian Peacekeepers serving under the UN flag have been actively involved in mine clearance operations in various parts of the world. For instance, in 2014, Indian troops detected and safely destroyed 7,000 dangerous items, including landmines, unexploded bombs, and improvised devices in South Sudan.
• India has started implementing advanced technology for mine detection and clearance, including drones and robots that reduce the risk posed to demining personnel.

In the News and Trending in India for International Mine Awareness Day

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Review the UN's Mine Action Strategy for 2019-2023.
• Learn more about the efforts to remove landmines and rebuild cities that were affected.
• Attend Awareness Programs and Workshops: Various NGOs and government organizations often hold awareness programs and workshops to educate people about the danger and impact of landmines.
• Read a book learn more about the consequences of mining in India:
  Out of This Earth: East India Adivasis and the Aluminium Cartel - by Felix Padel and Samarendra Das.
  India's Mines - by Arundhuti Roy Choudhury.