The International Committee of the Red Cross calls for educating communities about the danger of mines and unexploded ordnance

Geneva, April 4, 2017 – The International Committee of the Red Cross warned, in a report issued today, Thursday in Geneva, of the deadly danger caused by mines and unexploded ordnance resulting from wars, and the devastating impact these weapons have on societies trying to live a safe and normal life.

The committee stated, in its report issued in conjunction with International Mine Awareness Day, which falls on April 4 of each year, that the continued incidents of mine explosions affecting civilians confirm the need to further educate communities on how to protect themselves from this danger.

The International Committee noted that the media focuses most of the time on the risks involved in actual fighting in many countries, but the deadly consequences of war are often forgotten, such as leaving behind mines and unexploded ordnance, which continue long after the fighting has stopped.

The committee stated that it is working with national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in former war zones around the world to educate residents about the dangers and protect children from unnecessary death.

The committee noted that more financial resources and equipment are needed to remove unexploded ordnance and prevent its effects.