Statement by the Spokesperson on the occasion of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

On the 3 April 2017 International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action passed. On this occasion the EU honoured the courage and determination of deminers worldwide and commemorated those who have lost their lives while carrying out the important work of making mine affected areas safe again.

The European Union reiterated its concern about the tremendous humanitarian, stabilisation and development challenges still posed by anti-personnel mines, including improvised mines. These devices kill people and constitute an obstacle to the return of refugees and other displaced persons, humanitarian aid operations, reconstruction and economic development.

2017 marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. The EU states that it is fully committed to support the Convention through continued financial and political support for the implementation of the Maputo Action Plan. The EU also urged those States outside the Convention to accede to the Convention.