Kathmandu, April 4: The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is being observed around the world, including in Nepal today.
At the call of the United Nations, the day is annually on April 4th to raise awareness about landmines and explosive remnants of war, promoting their destruction. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2005, it highlights the need for safety, victim assistance, and peace.
In 2026, the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is being commemorated under the theme “Invest in Peace; Invest in Mine Action.” This theme draws out the foundational importance of lands being cleared from explosive threats and communities living in the absence of fear from these indiscriminate weapons for peace to be able to prosper, according to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).
Mine action saves lives, provides security, restores dignity, unlocks land for productive use, and creates the conditions for long-term stability. It transforms hazardous land into safe, productive spaces.
It enables humanitarian access, facilitates development, supports stabilization efforts, and lays the groundwork for durable peace. Investing in mine action is therefore not only a technical necessity – it is a strategic investment in peacebuilding, recovery, and sustainable development.
In a message on the occasion, UNMAS Director, Kazumi Ogawa, said mine action saves lives and supports vulnerable communities every day.
It enables the delivery of vital humanitarian aid, facilitates the safe return home of displaced populations, ensures peacekeepers can work safely, sets the conditions for long-term peace and security, and assists with sustainable economic and social development. Investment in Mine Action is an investment in peace and an investment in the future.#nepal #rss
