In countries where landmines and ERW pose a serious threat to the safety, health, and lives of civilians—and hinder national and local development—the UN calls on states to continue strengthening mine action efforts. This includes building and expanding national mine action capacities, supported by the UN and other relevant international partners.

This year, the day is commemorated under the theme: “Safe Futures Start Here.” The focus is on ensuring security, dignity, and opportunities for individuals and communities affected by these invisible threats.

In a statement marking the occasion, Luise Amtsberg, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance at the Federal Foreign Office, emphasized the deep connection between mine clearance and the protection of human rights:

“Humanitarian mine clearance is therefore always about protecting human rights, too: the right to life, to security, to freedom of movement. It is about education, healthcare, and livelihoods. For survivors of mine accidents, the focus is on their right to participate fully in public life.”

Amtsberg highlighted that Germany is the second-largest bilateral donor in this field and reaffirmed the government’s priorities: promoting gender inclusion, especially the involvement of women in all areas of mine action and advancing innovative approaches to accelerate clearance operations and deliver aid more swiftly and effectively.

The UN mine action community also stresses the need to fund small-scale, high-impact programs that address the immediate needs of conflict-affected individuals, particularly those living with physical impairments.

Together, these efforts aim not only to remove the physical dangers of mines and ERW but also to restore freedom, safety, and hope—ensuring that safe futures truly start here.

• - https://www.un.org/en/observances/mine-awareness-day
• - https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/newsroom/news/2711820-2711820