Over 8,000 people in BiH have fallen victim to mines

(Patria) - This year, we welcome April 4th, the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, with the recently adopted Bosnia and Herzegovina's Anti-Mine Action Strategy 2018 – 2025, which envisages the fulfillment of remaining obligations from the Mine Ban Convention concerning the identification and clearance of remaining mined territories by 2025.

The clearance of mined territories presents a huge challenge, considering the size of the contaminated territory and the number of endangered communities, as well as the number of mines and explosive devices left over from the war in BiH. The solution to this problem will largely depend on the capacity of the competent institutions to improve the management of anti-mine activities in BiH and mobilize the community for additional contribution in fulfilling the remaining obligations.

World Vision and the Organization of Amputees "UDAS", as partners in the implementation of the project "Integrated Socio-Economic Support for Mine Victims in BiH" financed by the European Union, call on the competent institutions to fulfill not only the obligations related to mine clearance but also the obligations from the Mine Ban Convention concerning support for mine victims in rehabilitation and socio-economic integration. Currently, the number of mine victims far exceeds 8,000, but it increases every year due to new mine incidents that claim the lives of BiH citizens.

"Considering the importance of creating a safe environment, it is necessary to ensure that the environment is accessible to mine survivors and other persons with disabilities. It is also necessary not only to prevent new mine incidents with human casualties but also to empower mine victims and other persons with disabilities. Mine victims should enjoy their rights and realize their potential and participate in the development of their communities as fully integrated citizens.

Associations of mine victims and advocates for the rights of mine victims expect support from the competent authorities in developing the segment of the Anti-Mine Action Strategy concerning assistance to mine victims. It is unlikely we will have a better moment to address these issues than the present, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the Mine Ban Convention and global action towards a 'world without mines', and to join forces in achieving 'BiH without mines, barriers, and victims by 2025'," stated World Vision.