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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonâ€™s message on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

02 April 2008 08:35 (UTC +04:00)

UN office in Azerbaijan told APA that the message says although nearly 6,000 people fell victim to landmines and explosive remnants of war in 2007, these numbers are dramatically lower than they were only a few years ago. Each year, mine action programmes around the world are clearing landmines from more than 100 square kilometres of land and teaching more than 7 million people how to avoid danger in infested areas.
â€œThis International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action serves as a reminder that without proper support, survivors of landmines and explosive remnants of war may face a lifetime of poverty and discrimination, lacking adequate health care or rehabilitation services. Member States, civil society and the United Nations must strive to foster the legislative, social and economic conditions that enable survivors to realize their rights and be productive members of society,â€ the message says.
â€œOn this International Day, I call on States that have not yet done so to ratify all disarmament, humanitarian and human rights law instruments related to landmines, explosive remnants of war and to the survivors of the devastating effects of these devices. Only through the widest possible ratification and full compliance will the international community succeed in preventing new injuries and fatalities while ensuring that victims and their families fully realize their rights,â€ the Secretary-General says.