International Mine Awareness Day

International Mine Awareness Day History

International Mine Awareness Day aims to highlight the persistent and devastating impact of landmines on populations and communities around the world. This event serves to raise awareness about landmine clearance, the dangers and consequences of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and the efforts to prevent these lethal devices from causing harm. The ultimate aim is to foster the development and implementation of mine clearance operations and to support the victims of landmines.

International Mine Awareness Day was first recognized by the UN General Assembly in 2005, in response to the growing humanitarian and developmental crisis caused by landmines. These explosive remnants of war continue to pose a threat to civilians long after conflicts have ended. Canada signed the Ottawa Treaty in 1997, a key international treaty antipersonnel mines, and has played a significant role in global landmine clearance operations. The day serves as a reminder for Canadians about this continuing threat and the importance of international humanitarian efforts.

In Canada, International Mine Awareness Day is marked by various awareness-raising activities. Non-governmental organizations, the government, and wider society participate in educational initiatives, public forums, and media campaigns to shed light on landmine-related issues. These activities underscore Canada's ongoing commitment to a world free of landmines, and its humanitarian efforts to support landmine clearance and assist victims. The day also highlights Canada's role in international treaty obligations and fosters public support for mine clearance and victim assistance initiatives. International Mine Awareness Day takes place on April 4 each year.

Facts about International Mine Awareness Day

• The theme for International Mine Awareness Day in 2023 was Mine Action Cannot Wait. In 2022, the theme was Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home.
• According to the Landmine Monitor of 2023, there were 50 incidents of mine use.
  According to Phys.Org, in 2021 around the world, there were 7,000 landmine incidents reported. Over 2,000 people were killed and 4,000 were wounded.
• According to weforum.org, the countries with the most casualties from landmines reported are:
  1) Afghanistan
  2) Burkina Faso
  3) Colombia
  4) Iraq
  5) Mali
• Canada was one of the first countries to destroy its stockpile of landmines under the Convention. It completed the destruction of its stockpile in 2004, five years ahead of its deadline under the Treaty.
• Between 1997 and 2018, Canada contributed over $250 million to mine action, supporting clearance, victim assistance, advocacy, and stockpile destruction projects in more than 35 countries.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Mine Awareness Day

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

• Review the UN's Mine Action Strategy for 2019-2023.
• Learn more about the efforts to remove landmines and rebuild cities that were affected.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about the history and current status of landmines and the efforts for their removal. Share this information with others to spread awareness. Visit museums or war memorial monuments, such as the National War Memorial in Ottawa, to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to landmines.
• Read a book to learn more about the dangers of landmines:
  Mining and Communities in Northern Canada: History, Politics, and Memory - edited by Arn Keeling and John Sandlos
  The Canadian War on Science: A Chronology of Attacks on Environmental Science, Policy and Scientists - by Chris Turner
  Dammed: The Politics of Loss and Survival in Anishnaabe Territory - by Brittany Luby