Update on mine removal by UN

 

Maroochy member Margaret Mansfield, who previously worked with the UN updates us on mine removals.

Worker in Laos

In 2006 the United Nations declared that the 4^th April each year should be observed as ‘International Day for Landmine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action’.  This year the theme of the day was ‘Women and Landmines’.  The UN Secretary General said in his statement that “It is often said that women hold up half the sky. This year on the International Day of Landmine Awareness and Assistance, we focus on the important role of women in safeguarding the earth.  Women and girls are disproportionately affected by landmines. They have different needs when it comes to education about risks and they may face greater challenges when a family member is killed or injured.  However, women worldwide are also vital to our drive to clear landmines and protect against their indiscriminate effects, teaching people how to live safely in contaminated areas, assisting victims, clearing landmines and disposing of explosive ordnance.  Women can drive progress towards the central goals of mine action, which aims to increase security, rebuild communities, reclaim land and end the looming fear caused by explosive remnants of war. Women can also amplify the benefits of this work as children return to school, economic activity revives and lives and livelihoods are saved through mine action work.”  Events celebrating the role of women in the fight against landmines were held in New York, Geneva and a number of landmine affected countries.

 

Margaret Mansfield