International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

Every year, thousands of people are killed or injured in more than 80 countries around the world from land mine explosions. Landmines restrict access to safe land for agriculture in rural communities, limit post-conflict resettlement, and restrict efforts to rebuild peace.

Canada played an important role in establishing what is known as the Ottawa Convention, which works to prohibit the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel landmines and on their destruction. This international agreement addresses the inhumane situation facing people who had lived through armed conflict only to become victims of the buried landmines left behind.

Last year, Canada was the third largest contributor to mine action, with a record high of more than $50 million. Over time, CIDA has systematically integrated mine action into its regular programming to ensure sustainability over the long term. CIDA also continues to contribute to the efforts of multilateral organizations, international non-governmental organizations and Canadian civil society organizations.

Canada is also the second largest donor to Mine Action in Afghanistan, working closely with the Government of Afghanistan, the United Nations and other countries to help clear mines, assist landmine accident victims, and provide mine risk education. Last year, more than 1.4 million Afghans received education about mine risks; 40 per cent were women, and 70 per cent were children. More than 300 square kilometres of land have been cleared of landmines since 2006.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting efforts to remove the estimated 100 million mines that still contaminate rural areas and to help the more than 450,000 mine survivors around the world.