07 April 2010 - UNAMID and UNICEF, in collaboration with the Friends of Peace and Development Organization, today marked International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action with a series of activities in downtown El Fasher, North Darfur.

This year's programme, entitled "Together for Protecting our Children from the Risk of Land Mines and Explosives," brought together more than 200 Darfurians of all ages. The audience took part in songs, watched plays and listened to speeches that provided awareness messages on the dangers of mines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and paid remembrance to those who have been killed or injured by them.

"The event gave me the chance to know that I am not alone. I enjoyed the music and meeting people who face similar challenges," said Mohammed Abduallah, an 11-year old who was critically injured last year by a mine in his village just outside of El Fasher.

The day's activities were attended by guests of honor, including the Wali (Governor) of North Darfur Osman Mohamed Yousif Kibir and UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative Mohamed Yonis.

UNAMID Mine Action has three clearance teams in Darfur, consisting of national and international experts, charged with hazard clearance, road verification, UXO disposal, and risk education in conjunction with UNICEF.

The United Nations estimates that land mines and UXOs kill or maim between 15,000 and 20,000 people each year around the world. Of these, one in five is a child.