Khartoum, Sudan — On the occasion of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, emphasized the critical importance of mine action in the face of the ongoing conflict that has exacerbated explosive ordnance contamination across the nation. Brown’s statement highlighted the theme for this year: “Invest in peace: invest in mine action.”.
Mine action, Brown noted, is more than just the removal of deadly hazards; it is a fundamental step towards protecting lives, facilitating recovery, and establishing the foundation for peace. In Sudan, the urgency of this task is undeniable. The conflict has led to a significant rise in explosive ordnance contamination, affecting both urban and rural areas. This contamination has put homes, roads, schools, and critical infrastructure at risk, posing daily dangers to civilians and limiting humanitarian access.
The situation is further complicated by the heightened risk aid workers face as they endeavor to reach those most in need. Brown underlined that mine action is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a key to enabling safe access, supporting returns, and being a prerequisite for recovery and reconstruction.
Despite the expansion of efforts in mine action, the scale of contamination remains a challenge that outpaces the response. Brown called for sustained support and stronger collaboration to address this urgent issue. By investing in mine action, she said lives can be saved today, and the groundwork for Sudan’s recovery and peace can be laid.
For those seeking more information on the United Nations’ efforts in Sudan, contact Dan Teng’o at dan. Tengo@un. Org or +249 91 253 2791.
Source: reliefweb
