UNIFIL and UNMAS cooperation on mine clearance in southern Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) jointly observed the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance for Mine Action at UNIFIL Headquarters, reiterating their dedication to addressing the hazard presented by anti-personnel mines in southern Lebanon. This declaration was delivered by Italian Major General Stefano Del Col during a meeting attended by United Nations officials, representatives from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and fellow peacekeepers. After the cessation of hostilities in 2006, UNIFIL deminers have collaborated with UNMAS and local organizations in humanitarian demining efforts. These activities have resulted in the clearance of extensive areas of contaminated land, leading to the removal of over 32,600 explosive remnants of war (ERW) and unexploded ordnance (UXO), as well as more than 6,600 anti-personnel mines. Presently, the primary mine clearance operations undertaken by UNIFIL are executed by Cambodian and Chinese peacekeepers, with a particular focus on areas adjacent to the Blue Line near Rmeish, in southern Lebanon. It is estimated that approximately 1,000 minefields persist along the Blue Line, with some situated close to residential areas and UN posts in southern Lebanon, thereby posing a continuous threat to the safety of thousands of civilians and military personnel.