Every year on April 4, the world comes together to observe the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. The day serves as a reminder of the catastrophic impact that landmines and explosive remnants of war can have on the lives of civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarians. The day is observed to raise awareness and seek assistance for mine action work.
Since its approval by the General Assembly in 2005, organizations like the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Halo Trust have been working tirelessly to rid mine-filled countries of landmines. Somalia, in particular, is significantly affected by mines. As such UNMAS has been running projects to eradicate landmines and educate the community about the explosive hazard threat.
One of UNMAS’ recent projects, ‘Community-based mine action as a means to promote peace and stability in Somalia,’ ran from October 2020 to December 2021 in two districts in Galmadug and Puntland, namely Dhabad and Galdogob. The project aimed to make mine-filled land mine-free and ready for use by residents and farmers.
Working in conjunction with the HALO Trust, UNMAS cleared minefields and confirmed hazardous areas in the districts, detecting and destroying landmines and unexploded ordnance.
By the end of the project, over half a million square meters of land containing minefields and an additional three million square meters of land previously used as battle areas had been made safe for residents. UNMAS also educated the community about explosive ordnance risk, leaving over 12,000 people informed on safety awareness.
The work of UNMAS and the HALO Trust in collaboration with the Somali Explosive Management Authority (SEMA) led to Somalia securing a five-year extension to its Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) deadline.
As we observe the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, let us join hands to help eradicate landmines and save lives. The continued support of organizations like UNMAS and the HALO Trust, as well as SEMA, is paramount in ensuring the work of mine action partners benefits the most vulnerable people in society.