UN chief hails vital role of women in achieving world without mines

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Friday highlighted the vital role of women in advancing the vision of a world free of landmines, calling for greater measures to involve more females at higher levels in mine action. "It is often said that women hold up half the sky. This year on the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, we focus on the important role of women in safeguarding the earth," Ban said in a message marking the Day, which falls on April 4. According to the UN, 10 people are killed or maimed by a landmine every single day. In December 2005, the UN General Assembly declared that April 4 of each year shall be observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. In his message, Ban said that women worldwide are vital to the drive to clear landmines and protect against their indiscriminate effects, teaching people how to live safely in contaminated areas, assisting victims, clearing landmines and disposing of explosive ordnance. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by landmines and have different needs when it comes to education about risks, Ban said, noting that they may face greater challenges when a family member is killed or injured. "That is why the United Nations endeavors to listen to the views of women in our mine action work, incorporate their ideas and empower them to contribute even more to our global campaign," said the UN chief. Ban noted that women can drive progress towards the central goals of mine action, which aims to increase security, rebuild communities, reclaim land and end the looming fear caused by explosive remnants of war. "Women can also amplify the benefits of this work as children return to school, economic activity revives and lives and livelihoods are saved through mine action work," he said. For all of these reasons, "I call for greater measures to involve more women at higher levels in mine action," the secretary- general said, adding that "governments should do more to address gender in their mine action programs." "The United Nations has a proud record of helping millions of people in mine-affected countries. On this International Day, let us resolve to mobilize the resources, partners and resolve we need to further advance our vision of a planet free from mines," he said.