International Mine Awareness Day

International Mine Awareness Day History

International Mine Awareness Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the threats posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war. This day emphasizes the importance of mine action, which includes detection, clearance, and destruction of explosive hazards. It also underscores the need for assistance and support to individuals and communities affected by land mines and unexploded ordnance.

Having a largely peaceful history, New Zealand may not have directly experienced the impact of explosive hazards. However, International Mine Awareness Day carries relevance to New Zealanders owing to the country's commitment to humanitarian causes worldwide. Particularly, New Zealand has been proactive in supporting international campaigns against the use of landmines, including the Ottawa Treaty in 1997, which bans the use, development, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

On International Mine Awareness Day, New Zealand joins the global community in highlighting the necessity of continuous action against landmines. Various events are organised in the country to advocate for victims’ rights and inform the public about the progress and challenges in eradicating these silent killers. Known for its peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid, New Zealand takes this day as an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to these principles. International Mine Awareness Day is observed on April 4th each year.

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
• In terms of funding, New Zealand has been particularly generous. Over the decade from 1999 to 2009, the country donated around NZD $13.3 million to mine action, reaching a peak of around NZD $2.3 million in 2007.
• The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) often deploys personnel in countries riddled with unexploded ordnance to help with demining initiatives.

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

Top things to do in NZ 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.
• Raise awareness online through social media campaigns using the hashtags: #MineAwareness; #landmines; #4april; #Mineaction.
• Read a book to learn more about the dangers of landmines:
  Great Barrier Island - by Don Armitage: The book is a testament to the scale and significance of mining operations on Great Barrier Island from the earliest settlers through to the late 20th Century.
  The Lode of Silver: Stories from Waihi's Golden Past - by Julia Millen: This book provides a historical account of mining within the New Zealand town of Waihī including its impacts on the local community.