International Mine Awareness Day – Dr. Srinivas Mahawar

Udaipur | A lecture was organized under the aegis of Janmat Manch on the occasion of International Mine Awareness Day. On this occasion, the founder and president of the organization, Dr. Srinivas Mahawar, stated that every year on April 4, the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed. This day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 8, 2005.

The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about landmines, seek support for mine action efforts, and promote progress toward their eradication. Under the guidance of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the international mine action community begins planning its activities a week in advance.

History of International Mine Awareness Day

On December 8, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially declared that April 4 would be observed annually as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. It was first observed on April 4, 2006.

Continuous efforts by countries, along with support from the United Nations and other related organizations, help establish and develop nationwide mine action capacities in countries affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war. These hazards pose serious threats to human safety, health, and lives, and also hinder economic and social development at both national and local levels.

Purpose and Global Concern

Shirish Nath Mathur, Secretary of the organization, explained that this day is observed worldwide to spread awareness about landmines and to support mine action initiatives. Its objective is to inform people about the dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war, and to encourage governments to develop programs for their removal.

On average, one person is killed or injured by explosive devices every hour, and many victims are children. The increasing use of such devices has intensified fear among civilians and poses serious risks to humanitarian workers, as well as United Nations missions and personnel.

According to the United Nations, landmines still exist in at least 60 countries, some of which are over 50 years old. Proper management and removal of these mines are extremely important for human safety and remain a pressing global need.

Awareness Campaigns and Initiatives

Assistant Professors Hemant Kumar Damor and Dharmendra Kumar Verma stated that every year at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, UNMAS organizes a multimedia exhibition to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices.

UNMAS has also launched the “Safe Ground” campaign, including a public photo exhibition that highlights the connection between mine action, sports, and sustainable development goals. It demonstrates how transforming mine-affected areas into safe playgrounds can unite communities and increase awareness about victims and survivors of armed conflicts.

Global Impact

Assistant Professor Azad Meena noted that many countries around the world continue to struggle with landmines, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Cambodia, Colombia, and several African nations.

Landmines are not only a humanitarian issue but also an environmental and socio-economic challenge. They obstruct development and continue to spread due to ongoing wars and conflicts, making the problem increasingly severe with each passing day.