UN urges states to end threat of landmines ahead of International Day for Mine Awareness

United Nations officials held a press briefing on April 3 ahead of the April 4 International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, highlighting continuing civilian harm from landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices and urging states to uphold international treaties.

The secretary-general's message, read at the briefing, said more than 100,000,000 people remain at risk from landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices and called on states that have not yet done so to "ratify and fully implement the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the convention on cluster munitions, and the convention on certain conventional weapons." The statement also urged states to uphold commitments in the recently adopted "Pact for the Future" to restrict the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

Richard Bolter, head of Design Operational Support and Oversight for the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), summarized UN mine-action activities and risks worldwide. "More than a quarter of a century after signing the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, land mines, improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance continue to cause death and injury on a daily basis," Bolter said. He added that "on average, one person is killed or injured by such explosive devices every hour," with many victims children.

Bolter described UNMAS coordination across 12 UN entities and highlighted 2024 results: surveying and clearing hazardous areas to restore safe movement, destroying tens of thousands of munitions and supporting host states in weapons and ammunition management. He said UNMAS also supports detection and clearance of improvised explosive devices and provides risk education and capacity-building for national authorities.

Speakers at the briefing emphasized the humanitarian and development impacts of contamination, including blocked access to roads, farmland and services, and called for continued funding for clearance, risk education and survivor assistance.

The briefing materials distributed in the room and online include background on the day's theme, "Safe Futures Start Here," and lists of speakers and program activity. The UN said it would provide updates on ongoing operations and investigations as information becomes available.