Goma, 04 April 2014 - This year, the commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action in Goma, the administrative capital of the North-Kivu province was marked by reflections around the themes “Women’s participation in the anti-personnel landmine action” and an educational session on “anti-personnel landmines-related risks in school environment.

On the occasion, de-mining as well as weapons and ammunition disposal demonstrations were performed by the Mine Action Service in DRC (UNMAS) and a session on mine and unexploded device-related risks was organized. The ceremony took place in MONUSCO’s facilities in the presence of Congolese authorities and the Deputy-Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in DRC, General Abdallah Wafy who expressed gratitude to all the partners without whom nothing concrete could be achieved: “I congratulate all the partners who have participated in such high-risk activities. This year’s theme aims at promoting women’s contribution to the anti-personnel landmines actions. Women’s expertise, as the first victims, is now acknowledged and their contribution to the development of de-mining strategy is very critical.”

General Wafy further recalled “DRC signed the Convention on the ban of the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of the anti-personnel landmines six months after it entered into force in 2002.”