Commemoration of International Mine Awareness day

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, April 5, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Commission of the African Union (AU), in collaboration with the United Nations Mine Action Services (UNMAS), the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), commemorated the UN International Mine Awareness Day. The event was held at the AU Headquarters, in Addis Ababa, and brought together representatives from AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), UN and other AU Partners.

The event was aimed at creating greater awareness of the dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war. It provided an opportunity for the AU to express its strong commitment to mine action in Africa and to reaffirm its commitment to the objective of a Mine-free Africa. The programme included a de-mining demonstration and a photo exhibition showcasing the effects of cluster bombs on civilians.