— On the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the United Nations in Somalia today highlighted the scourge’s impact on Somalis and reaffirmed its commitment to ridding Somalia of explosive hazards.
“Contamination by and from explosive remnants of war and landmines resulting from years of conflict in Somalia continues to have negative effects on safety and human security, as well as hampering development efforts,” said James Swan, the UN Secretary-Special General’s Representative for Somalia.
“The use of improvised explosive devices continues to pose a serious threat to the country and its people,” he added. “The UN in Somalia remains committed to working with Somali authorities and partners on mine action, which allows peacebuilding, humanitarian, and socioeconomic development efforts to take place while civilians are protected.”
In Somalia, improvised explosive devices and explosive remnants of war killed or injured 501 civilians in 2020. The total number of casualties increased to 669 in 2021.
The UN in Somalia collaborates closely with national and international mine action experts at both the Federal and Federal Member State levels to respond to explosive threats to communities, while also building Somalis’ capacity to lead and coordinate mine action responses.
Explosive ordnance risk reduction, survey and clearance activities, victim assistance, stockpile destruction, and advocacy for adherence to international legal instruments are all part of the assistance.
‘Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home’ is the theme of this year’s International Day. Its goal is to highlight the work done over the last decade to rid Somalia of explosive hazards, from playgrounds to pathways, farmland to homes.