Mine Action Cannot Wait

On 4 April, we mark International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. 

Landmines and other unexploded weapons of war spread terror, maim civilians, and make land unusable. Whether it is new contamination like in Azerbaijan, Ukraine or Yemen or old contamination as in Cambodia, Iraq, or Viet Nam, mine action cannot wait. 

In 12 months of war, Ukraine has become one of the world’s largest minefields. The National Mine Action Authority in Ukraine estimates that more than 180,000 square kilometres  – a quarter of the country – has been exposed to conflict and potential contamination, putting over 14 million people at risk. The Government of Ukraine, UNDP and its partners are working hard to clear land, assist victims and provide risk education. Mine action efforts have reached almost 3.5 million people so far. But the government says it will take at least a decade to demine the country. 

Even after wars have ended and peace deals have been signed, the lethal legacy of landmines remain. 

Fifty years since the Paris Peace Accords ended the US bombing in Southeast Asia, a fifth of Vietnam still remains contaminated. All 18 provinces of Lao PDR were contaminated between 1964 and 1973, and one third of the country remains contaminated.  Cambodia has disposed of 3.2 million pieces of explosive ordnance in 30 years of demining, and cleared just over half of all contaminated land. But 2,120 square kilometres still remains to be cleared.

As part of UN efforts, UNDP has been supporting Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam clear land, assist victims, carry out risk education and help people return to their homes and farms. Since Mine Action began 30 years ago in Cambodia, over 1 million people have benefited from UNDP support. In Viet Nam, over the last three years alone, 450,000 local people, especially children, have received education on the risk of unexploded ordnance.  With UNDP’s support in Lao PDR, 18 mine clearance and seven humanitarian army teams are working to survey and clear land. 

UNDP’s decades of experience in Mine Action in Southeast Asia has taught us that there is so much more than just clearing contaminated land. It is about people and societies and their prospects for a dignified and prosperous life. For instance, if farmland is contaminated with mines, countries cannot feed themselves – or in the case of Ukraine – export their crops to millions of people around the world. 

Under the coordination of UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP ensures mine action lays the foundation for lasting peace and development. 

If we are to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, mine action cannot wait.