International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed on April 4th every year. It is a day that seeks assistance for mine action work and raises awareness about landmines and the need for their eradication.

According to the latest data, there are over 100 million unexploded landmines across the globe, with an equally large number stockpiled but not yet used. Eliminating all these landmines is often a challenge that individual countries struggle to deal with, which is why this holiday is necessary.

The History of International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

The United Nations General Assembly created this holiday on December 8, 2005. The day was established to raise awareness about landmines, arrange assistance for organizations and countries performing mine action work, and help eradicate unexploded landmines around the world.

Facts About Landmines

Below are some facts about landmines that we feel everyone should know, especially if they observe this holiday every year.

• Landmines can be laid on the ground or buried six inches under the surface.
• The first landmines were developed during World War I.
• During its nine-year bombing campaign in Laos during the 1960s, the U.S. dropped thousands of mines by plane.
• One person is killed every 15 minutes by a landmine.
• Every day, 70 people die from landmines.
• Landmines place an undue burden on the health systems of developing countries.

Observing International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

On this holiday, various organizations come together to address the problem of unexploded landmines worldwide. The United Nations also uses its status to raise awareness about this issue so that more countries and organizations will participate in the complete eradication of landmines one day.