“Landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices disproportionally affect the vulnerable, the forcibly displaced, the dispossessed, and children. They impede peaceful solutions, hinder humanitarian responses and are an obstacle to sustainable, inclusive development,” said Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement for the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April.
The Secretary-General made clear that finding and removing explosive ordnance is an essential precursor for humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.
The longer contamination remains, the more it will affect the most vulnerable. The wealthy and powerful can move away from dangerous areas, or they can ensure their neighbourhoods are made safe.
The primary goal of United Nations mine action is to work with national authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that no one is left behind when prioritizing clearance, capacity development, risk education, and assistance to survivors.
The UN multi-media exhibition, “Perseverance, Partnership, Progress”, shows the actions taken by the UN mine action community to find and destroy the deadly detritus of war.
It is uncomfortable, and at times, dangerous work, demanding patience, and adherence to strict operational procedures.
In 2020, COVID-19 added an additional layer of complexity to our efforts. The exhibit captures the perseverance that pervades all UN mine action operations and draws attention to the need to make progress towards our goal of a world free from the threat of explosive ordnance.
The exhibit includes pictures taken by renowned photographers and several short original videos.
“[T]he United Nations Charter does not charge us to support campaigns. It calls us to complete the work,” the Secretary-General said.
“Let’s make this the last decade when we need to survey, clear, and destroy these deadly devices.”
