The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in partnership with South Sudan National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) celebrated the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action under the theme “Mine Action is Humanitarian Action” at Nyakuron Cultural Centre on Monday.
The United Nations’ International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed on April 4 each year. This day aims to raise awareness about landmines and progress toward their eradication.
Jurkuch Barch Jurkuch, chairperson of National Mine Action Authority, said nearly 4,895 people were killed and 3,542 people injured by landmines in South Sudan since 2011.
He said the institution with the assistance of the international community supported clearance of 1,152,442 square kilometers of land. 2,887,315 people have received information about landmines.
However, the official said landmines and explosive remnants of war still constitute a threat of innocent people in South Sudan