April 4, 2012 is the International Day for Landmine Awareness. The day is sponsored by the United Nations and has been observed every year since 2006.

Landmines are explosive weapons placed under or on the ground, designed to activate when someone steps on or passes over them. Once they are planted in the ground, they are hard to find and they are very dangerous to anyone in the area. The presence of landmines continues to be one of the most persistent problems that countries face in the aftermath of war.

A U.S. Army Sargeant removes the fuse on a landmine in Iraq to make it non-functional while clearing a mine field.

Long after the fighting has ended, landmines remain in the ground and cause injuries and death, mainly to ordinary people trying to rebuild their lives. The countries worst affected by landmines often lack the resources needed to de-mine their land after conflict to ensure that it is safe for farming, new construction, and development. Every 30 minutes around the world, a person is killed or injured from a landmine; many of the victims are children.

Global efforts to address the problem of landmines have made a big difference in recent years. Now, more landmines are being removed than are being put in the ground, and new programs are available to support landmine survivors and to educate others about the risks.

The Global Peacebuilding Center is marking Landmine Awareness Day by highlighting resources and activities. Read more