United Nations Mine Action Coordination Centre in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - PRESS RELEASE
Democratic Republic of the Congo, 4 April, 2013 - On 8 December 2005, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 4th April as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. The declaration was voted following member States recommendations, which intended to create an opportunity to sensitize the public about Mine and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), and the efforts for their elimination.
Mine Action is not only about Demining/Clearance, but it is also about people, societies and how they are affected by landmine contamination. It includes (i) Mine Risk & Explosive Remnants of War Education, (ii) Stockpile Destruction, (iii) Victim Assistance, and (iv) Advocacy.
In line with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, to celebrate this Day, the national theme chosen by the United Nations Mine Action Coordination Centre (UNMACC) and the Congolese Centre for Mine Action (CCLAM) as well as their partners is: “Lend Your Leg for a DRC free of Mines and Explosive Remnants of War”.
Last year, using the same theme, UNMACC and CCLAM invited the community to “Lend their Leg for the ratification of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRDP)”. Since then, the CRPD bill has been drafted forwarded to the Parliament waiting ratification.
In 2013, UNMACC and CCLAM will launch a National Landmine Contamination Survey and officially declare Bas-Congo Province as being free of landmine.
Maître SUDI KIMPUTU, Coordinator of CCLAM says: “2013 will be an important year with regard to mine action in DRC, the Congolese Government and partners in mine action are all working together to ensure that the National Landmine Contamination Survey in DRC is completed by the end of the year. Therefore, 04th April 2013 is one of the most important celebrations of the international day for mine awareness and mine action in DRC”.
For more information,
Contact: Aurélie Fabry, Mine Risk & Explosive Remnants of War Education Specialist.
Email: afabry@macc-drc.org – Tel : +243 82 500 18 61
Pascal Simon, UNMACC Program Manager
Email : psimon@macc-drc.org – Tel : +243 82 500 18 22
Website UNMACC : www.macc-drc.org
Page d’ICBL sur l’action globale 2013 « Prêtez votre jambe » : http://www.icbl.org/index.php/icbl/Home-Elements/Key-Issues/LYL2013