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Even after a combat has ended, landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) continue to pose a fatal hazard to innocent populations. At least one person dies or is seriously injured per hour as a result of these explosives. Children and women are particularly vulnerable. The theme for International Mine Awareness Day in 2025 is “Safe Futures Start Here,” emphasising the importance of taking immediate action to ensure a mine-free future. This movement is critical to attaining sustainable development and ensuring civilian safety in conflict-affected areas.
This article discusses the dangers of landmines, countermeasures, the use of technology, and current mine removal activities in India and elsewhere.
International Mine Awareness Day was officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2005 and has been commemorated around the world since 2006. The primary aim of this day is to lessen the risks posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) while also implementing actions to create a mine-free world.
On this day, awareness initiatives, instructional activities, displays, and workshops about explosive risks are held. This year, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) will hold the international meeting NDM-UN28 from April 9 to 11, 2025, when experts, policymakers, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from around the world will discuss mine clearing tactics.
Threat and Impact of Landmines
Landmines are explosive devices planted underground or on the surface that detonate when a person or vehicle comes into contact with them. Many countries used these weapons during wars, but even after the fight is over, they remain inactive for years, posing a significant hazard to people.
Farming, livestock rearing, and daily living in mine-affected communities have been significantly disrupted, resulting in economic hardship.
Impact of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW)
After a fight, partially exploded bombs, rockets, grenades, or cluster munitions remain, with the possibility of detonation at any time.
Landmines and explosive remnants pose a threat to civilian life in numerous countries. To address this critical issue, different countries, non-governmental organisations, and United Nations organisations are working to clear mines around the world. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) identifies mine-affected areas and conducts removal operations. Additionally, inhabitants in these areas receive special training and awareness programs to help them avoid mines.
International accords and agreements have also encouraged mine removal. The 1997 Mine Ban Treaty (Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention) was essential in this effort, with 164 countries agreeing to stop the production, stockpiling, and use of landmines. Furthermore, organisations such as the UN and GICHD have developed cutting-edge mine detection and clearing systems. The aim of domestic and international campaigns is to remove these dangerous weapons and ensure a safe future.
Landmines and explosive remnants provide a greater threat to certain Indian regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. These mines are typically set in war-like conditions, counter-terrorism operations, and security measures, resulting in serious accidents for both military and local civilians.
The Indian government has carried out major mine removal operations under projects such as Operation Rakshak and Operation Parakram. The Indian Army Corps of Engineers and the Border Security Force (BSF) send out specialised teams to identify and clean mine-affected areas. Modern mine detection equipment have been created by organisations such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other research institutes.
Additionally, Mine Risk Education Programs are carried out throughout India, educating communities, particularly children, on how to recognise landmines, stay safe, and handle discovered explosives. Rehabilitation and support projects for mine-affected people are also being undertaken by the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which help to improve their safety and quality of life.
The theme “Safe Futures Start Here” is a global call to action for a mine-free planet. Landmines and remains of previous conflicts continue to endanger millions, emphasising the critical need for concerted efforts by governments, social organisations, and the global community to boost mine clearing activities.
Raising awareness, utilising new technologies, and assisting in victim rehabilitation are all critical tasks. Adv. Abdul Mulla, who contributes to www.asmlegalservices.in and www.lifeandlaw.in, believes that collective action and commitment may help achieve a safe, mine-free future.
Adv. Abdul Mulla (Mob. No. 937 007 2022) is a seasoned legal professional with over 18 years of experience in advocacy, specializing in diverse areas of law, including Real Estate and Property Law, Matrimonial and Divorce Matters, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Will and Succession Planning. read more….
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