UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Monday, April 4, for the world to be freed from the scourge of landmines, on the occasion of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance. mine action.
He deplored that, despite the efforts and progress made, mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices continue to kill or injure thousands of people every year, including many children.
These « despicable » weapons are now present in more than 50 countries and there are stocks of millions of mines, according to Guterres.
The UN boss recalled the International Campaign to Ban Landmines launched 30 years ago by civil society activists. “Five years later, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention was open for signature,” he continued.
He welcomed the fact that more than 55 million mines have been destroyed since then, more than 30 countries in the world have been declared mine-free, the number of victims has dropped dramatically and more than 160 States have signed the Convention. .
While calling on countries to « do more to protect people who live under the threat of explosive devices », he called on all States, except those who are still lagging behind, « to accede to the Convention without further delay « .
Mine action is “an investment in humanity”, “a prerequisite for humanitarian action and the foundation for sustainable peace and development”, he insisted.
The theme of International Mine Action Day 2022 is “Safe Lands, Safe Footsteps, Safe Homes”. The UN explains that « Safe Lands » refers to the global campaign to turn « minefields into playgrounds », launched by the Secretary-General in 2019.
“Safe steps” refers, among other things, to the procedures used by deminers when they approach contaminated areas that they must clear. And “Safe Houses” refers to the security of individuals and communities in post-conflict situations.
“On this International Day, let us continue our momentum and free the world from the scourge of landmines once and for all,” urged António Guterres.
By OMA Newsletter N° 655 of 05/04/2022
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