Explosive ordnance continue to impact individuals and communities around the world
Today, explosive ordnance (EO) remains in more than 66 countries and 7 other territories continuing to impact the lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities living with this dangerous legacy of war. EO kill or injure thousands of individuals around the world each year. In addition to the human toll they take, the presence of EO also:
· Hinders economic and social development
· Denies access to land and valuable resources
· Prevents children from safely walking to school and farmers from safely tending to their land
· Delays reconstruction after war
· Blocks humanitarian personnel from safely delivering aid
In fragile and conflict-affected states, mine action is often foundational to humanitarian action, development, and peace-building programs, and is a critical component of the transition from conflict to peace and the post-conflict development process.
Mine action entails more than removing dangerous explosive ordnance from the land. It also includes targeted efforts to keep people safe from danger through explosive ordnance risk education, advocacy, survivor assistance and stockpiled weapons destruction.
Landmines and cluster munitions remain some of the most prevalent explosive ordnance. In recent years, there has also been a growing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Worldwide, brave EOD technicians work tirelessly to rid the world of these dangerous explosive ordnance.
Click the image below to explore the Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor's interactive map feature to learn more about country specific contamination.
Here's how you can help:
- Learn more about global mine action efforts on the United Nations Mine Action Services website.
- Support advocacy efforts by writing to your congressional representative with a request to support mine action. Contact us for an email template. Find your representative here.
- Spread the word about the importance of humanitarian mine action organizations like PeaceTrees Vietnam by sharing this information with friends, colleagues, and family members.
- Donate to PeaceTrees today to support mine action operations in Vietnam.
Additional Resources:
"What Is Mine Action? " Report prepared by Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining
Annual Country-Specific Mine Action Review Reports
