Press Briefing on International Day for Mine Awareness

Briefing by Agnès Marcaillou, Director of UNMAS, Paul Heslop, UNMAS Chief of Programmes and Daniel Craig, UN Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (4 April 2016).

• Categories: Media / Press Conferences
• Video Length: 00:48:45
• Production Date: 4 April 2016
• Asset Language: English
• Personal Subject: AGNÈS MARCAILLOU
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS MINE ACTION SERVICE - UNMAS
• Subject Topical: LANDMINES; EXPLOSIVES; GOODWILL AMBASSADORS
• MAMS Id: 1596225
• Parent Id: 1595135

Description

In December 2015, the General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution underlining the need for mine action to remain at the top of the international agenda, especially in humanitarian crises, he noted.

Daniel Craig, who was appointed last year by Mr. Ban as UN Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards, said that the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) plays a critical role in improving the immediate chances of survival of civilians and aid workers caught up in armed violence.

“UNMAS provides a long-term solution to the biggest problem facing the victims of war. How to return to a normal life,” he said in his message on the Day.

Best known for his role as 007 in the James Bond films, Mr. Craig said he is in awe of the men and women at UNMAS as well as their energy and courage.

“I am asking you to join me to promote their work and fund their programmes, so that you, too, can make a difference in eliminating the dangers of mines and explosive hazards,” he said.

On 8 December 2005, the General Assembly declared that 4 April of each year should be observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. This year’s theme is ‘Mine Action is Humanitarian Action.’