International Mine Awareness Day

International Mine Awareness Day History

International Mine Awareness Day (IMAD) focusses raising public awareness about the threat of landmines and other explosive hazards. Significant aspects of the observance highlight the necessity for mine clearance, support for victims and survivors, and holding the international community accountable for landmine and explosives eradication. In the context of global safety, IMAD aims to educate and stimulate measures that will lead to a world free from the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance.

The history of IMAD traces back to 2005 when the United Nations General Assembly declared April 4th as International Mine Awareness Day. In the case of South Africa, over the course of years, the country has faced immense challenges associated with landmines and other explosive remnants of war, owing primarily to several past conflicts in the region. One notable issue is that of residual landmines near the country's borders. This has led to ongoing humanitarian and security concerns, presenting a severe threat to local communities and restricting economic development.

The observation of IMAD in South Africa usually involves public educational campaigns, workshops, and events coordinated by both governmental and non-governmental organizations. This involves taking stringent mine clearance measures and advocating for victims’ rights and support. These activities aim to engage local communities in landmine education and encourage international cooperation for landmine eradication efforts. Remembrance activities also take place to honour the lives lost due to landmine incidents. International Mine Awareness Day, is celebrated on April 4th 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
• APOPO, a Tanzanian NGO, trains African giant pouched rats, nicknamed 'HeroRATS', to detect landmines and tuberculosis. These rats have been deployed in countries across Africa, including South Africa, to support mine clearance efforts. Their activities are often highlighted during International Mine
• The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) undertakes annual mine awareness training. This is to prepare soldiers for the risk of encountering mines during border patrols or peacekeeping missions abroad.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for International Mine Awareness Day

Top things to do in South Africa 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.
• Visit the Apartheid Museum: While not directly related to landmines, visiting the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg gives insight into South Africa's tumultuous past; the times during which landmines were used extensively.
• Read a book to learn more about the dangers of landmines:
  Mining in South Africa: A Study of Mining Monopolies and Base Minerals - by David Van Reybrouck.
  Gold Mining and the Discourses of Corporate Social Responsibility in Ghana - by Nathan Andrews.