International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
Safe ground, safe steps, safe home

Ranjan K Baruah *

Armed conflicts and wars are always against humanity. From time immemorial we have seen wars and use of devastating weapons. One of the weapons which was used against the enemy is the land mine.

A land mine is an explosive device concealed under or on the ground and designed to destroy or disable enemy targets, ranging from combatants to vehicles and tanks, as they pass over or near it. Such a device is typically detonated automatically by way of pressure when a target steps on it or drives over it, although other detonation mechanisms are also sometimes used.

A land mine may cause damage by direct blast effect, by fragments that are thrown by the blast, or by both. For a peaceful society anywhere in the world, it is important that our land is free from mines.

To ensure peace and security it is important for national and international organisations to raise their voice against land mines. The United Nations aims for a world free of landmines and explosive remnants of war, where individuals and communities live in a safe environment conducive to development and where the needs of victims are met.

In 2022 the United Nations Mine Action Service marks the Day under the theme "Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home." The focus of the observance is on the impressive achievements of the global mine action community, starting with the work of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) – founded in 1992 and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 .

"Safe Ground" is the name of the global campaign "turning minefields into playing fields," which was launched by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in 2019.

"Safe Steps" brings attention to the trepidation that too many people experience when they move about, not knowing if they will detonate an explosive that could maim or kill them at any moment.

"Safe Home" is about restoring the personal security of individuals and communities in post-conflict settings. There is no place like home, and it is difficult to feel at home without security and community.

On 8 December 2005, the UN's General Assembly declared that 4 April of each year shall be observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

Guided by its inter-agency policy, the United Nations Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA), consisting of 12 departments, agencies, funds and programmes, and with observer entities, such as the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and World Bank continue to ensure system-wide coherence in all mine action pillars and activities.

In 2018 United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) convened, coordinated and led the drafting of the United Nations Mine Action Strategy 2019-2023. In April 2015, the UN Secretary-General designated the renowned actor Daniel Craig as the first UN Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards.

Established in 1997, the UNMAS works to eliminate the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices by coordinating United Nations mine action, leading operational responses at the country level, and supporting the development of standards, policies and norms.

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN in his message said that " mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices continue to kill or injure thousands of people every year – many of whom are children. We must do more to protect people living under the shadow of explosive ordnance, from Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan to Myanmar, Cambodia, and beyond."

There is no doubt that mine action is an investment in humanity. Though the north eastern region has seen conflicts and violence for the last few decades but use of land mines are very rare here else there might have been more casualties during the time of conflicts.

On this International Day, let us build on past progress and rid the world of the scourge of landmines once and for all. Together we can bring positive changes and let us take action to ensure safe grounds, safe steps and safe homes around the world.