Please refer to the attached file.
(Khartoum, 4 April 2026) On this International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, I join the global community in reaffirming this year’s theme: “Invest in peace: invest in mine action.” Mine action is not only about removing deadly hazards — it is about protecting lives, enabling recovery, and laying the foundations for peace.
In Sudan, the urgency is stark. Ongoing conflict has led to a sharp increase in explosive ordnance contamination across both urban and rural areas. Homes, roads, schools and critical infrastructure are affected, placing civilians at daily risk and constraining humanitarian access. Aid workers themselves face heightened danger as they work to reach those most in need.
Mine action is therefore a humanitarian imperative. It enables safe access, supports returns, and is a prerequisite for recovery and reconstruction. While efforts are expanding, the scale of contamination continues to outpace the response.
Sustained support and stronger collaboration are urgently needed. By investing in mine action, we can save lives today and help lay the groundwork for Sudan’s recovery and peace.
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For more information, please contact: Dan Teng’o, dan.tengo@un.org; +249 91 253 2791