UNMIK/PR/1524
PRISTINA – Acting Principal Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General Patricia Waring (A/PDSRSG) today announced the opening of the first ever United Nations International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. Similar events were being held world wide in over 40 other mine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) affected countries and territories.
The A/PDSRSG addressed a presentation on the current mine situation in Kosovo which was organised by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Management Section of UNMIK’s Office of the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) Co-coordinator.
“A lot has been achieved since 1999 through the good work of those involved in clearing Kosovo of this threat. This has included NGOs, the UN, KFOR plus the work of Kosovans in the form of KPC whose excellent performance I have witnessed in the past”, – said the A/PDSRSG.
As the A/PDSRSG emphasised, the situation in Kosovo has improved substantially since the end of the conflict in 1999. Directly after cessation of hostilities there were 4,500 areas left to be cleared. There are now 15 areas that require clearance and a further 51 that require a survey to verify the presence of any mines. However, mined areas with no minefield records are still being reported by members of the public, mainly along the border with Albania. The plan of the KPC Coordinator for 2006 is to continue to build the capacity of the KPC so that they would be in a position to take on mine action activities after the departure of the international NGOs at the end of the year.
“As we approach status talks, it is important that we continue with the transfer of responsibilities to the KPC and continue the work to eradicate the scourge of mines and unexploded ordnance. I urge the international community to continue to promote this life-saving and extremely worthwhile cause and I reiterate my call for continued financial support for mine action”, - said the A/PDSRSG.
Globally, there are currently 84 countries or territories contaminated by landmines or explosive remnants of war (ERW) and between 15,000 – 20,000 people per year become victims of mines or ERW. The number of mines still waiting to be cleared is not known, however it is estimated that between 60 – 100 million mines pose a threat.
