"On this International Day, I call for universal adherence to these important treaties and for increased support for mine awareness and mine action. Landmines and explosive remnants of war hamper development and endanger lives. Let’s eliminate them together for a safe sustainable world."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the International Day for Mine Awareness
and Assistance in Mine Action, 4 April 2012
Norwegian soldiers from UNIFIL search for mines.
UN Photo/John Isaac
On 8 December 2005, the General Assembly declared that 4 April of each year shall be observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
It called for continued efforts by States, with the assistance of the United Nations and relevant organizations, to foster the establishment and development of national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosive remnants of war constitute a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of the civilian population, or an impediment to social and economic development at the national and local levels.
Lend Your Leg
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the United Nations Mine Action Team are partnering with Fundación Arcangeles to mobilize the hundreds of organizations in at least 138 countries under the slogan “Lend Your Leg.” The mission is simple - on April 4, 2012, the International Day for Mine Awareness we are asking private companies, celebrities and politicians to join the everyday citizens around the world who will be rolling up their pant leg to stand with survivors and declare with one voice NO MORE LANDMINES.