As we enter April, we commemorate the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (IMAD).
Since its inception in 1997, UNMAS has responded to conflicts across the world, working to mitigate the impact of explosive ordnance on communities. Since establishing a programme in the OPT in 2009, UNMAS has worked with partners and local communities to minimize explosive risks and support peace. Throughout this period UNMAS has responded to explosive ordnance threats across Gaza and the West Bank and provided ongoing capacity enhancement support to the Palestinian Authority and other mine action partners, in support of the safety of communities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This work would not be possible without the generous support of our donors.
I want to take this opportunity to share some digital products released for IMAD, highlighting UNMAS ongoing efforts in the OPT supported by you, our supportive and dedicated donors. If you would like to distribute these materials across your own platforms or networks, please do so. I remain on standby for any comments or requests.
Meanwhile I express my deepest gratitude for your ongoing commitment to mine action across the OPT. Let us hope that by next year, peace prevails, and the explosive threat can be further minimized.
Yours faithfully,
Julius
OPT Chief Mine Action
IMAD Digital Engagement
IMAD webpage
UNMAS has a dedicated webpage to commemorate IMAD. From here you can find links to the various events and products produced this month. Link to webpage.
'Signs of Safety' Exhibition
This exhibition raises awareness of explosive ordnance threats through the eyes of children in the OPT, Sudan and Syria. Link to exhibition.
If you would like to display this exhibition in print, please send a request to myself or Lee Woodyear at woodyear@un.org for printable panels.
'Creating Safe Pathways' video
This evening, UNMAS will host a film festival in New York showing six films from UNMAS programmes. This includes 'Creating Safe Pathways', a video produced about the ongoing response in Gaza. These will be released on social media shortly.
If you would like UNMAS to share the festival invitation to your Permanent Representative, please reach out.
