The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Consuelo Vidal participated in an event held by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Mine Awareness Centre (IRMAC) on Sunday, 4 April 2010, during which she delivered remarks on the occasion of the International Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

In her speech, Ms. Vidal underlined reviewed the history of adopting an International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action in 2005 by the General Assembly of the United Nations, which stemmed from the recommendations by the member states that wanted to create an opportunity to sustain public awareness about the problem of landmines and explosive remnants of wars.  She further referred to the role of the landmines in increasing national and regional insecurity, breeding mistrust and fear that challenge the social fabrics of the states. She added that globally, there are 70 countries that are contaminated with the landmines and explosive remnants of the wars (ERW).

Ms. Vidal quoted the Landmine Monitor, which has identified over 73,000 casualties of landmines, ERW and victim-activated improvised explosive devices in 199 states and areas.  She further called the ERW and landmines as obstacles to sustainable development, ‘because they render agricultural land unusable, restrict access to potable water, keep schools from being built and students and teachers from attending classes, and hinder construction and maintenance of the infrastructure.’ She further underlined, ‘No one can better attest to the scourge of the landmines and ERW that the afflicted citizens of Iran in Illam, Khuzestan, Kermanshah and West Azerbaijan provinces.’

The Resident Representative of the UN further praised the great strides since the incorporation of Iran Mine Action Centre in 2004, including impressive progress in mine clearance operations and congratulated the IRMAC for being an instrumental advocate for an integrated approach to Mine Action and especially for its unique achievements in ERW clearance. She closed her remarks by reaffirming the commitment of the United Nations to support the Islamic Republic of Iran in its efforts to resolve the mine infestation problem over the next few years.

The message of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon was handed over to Mr. Saeedi, head of the IRMAC.