"The United Nations is strongly committed to mine awareness and mine action throughout the world. On this International Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a world free from the threat of mines and other remnants of war."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the International Day for Mine Awareness
and Assistance in Mine Action, 4 April 2013
Members of the Rwandan contingent of the African
Union-United Nations
Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), who are posted in Zam Zam IDP Camp
in North Darfur, participate in the "Lend your Leg" campaign”.
UN Photo/Albert Gonzalez Farran
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
To mark the14th anniversary of the entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty (MBT) the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), in conjunction with partner Fundacion Arcangeles, launched the 2013 global Lend Your Leg (LYL) action. Take part in the campaign yourself and get your friends, family and network on board the global Lend Your Leg action for 2013! The ICBL has prepared an Action Alert to help you build momentum and encourage as many people as possible in your country to take part in this global action.