In a continuing effort to raise awareness about landmines, unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and explosive remnants of war (ERW), UNMIS held a Public Information Day for more than 2,000 people in Kassala, East Sudan, on 12 February.

Participants at the event learned that the UN had opened over 20,000 kilometres of road and cleared more than 34 million square metres of contaminated land. It had also destroyed over 5,300 anti-personnel mines, 2,400 anti-tank mines and 640,000 ERW (Explosive Remnants of War).

An integral part of Sudan's 22-year north-south conflict, landmines are present in central and southern Sudan as well as east of Kassala near the Eritrean border. Among the more than 2,600 "areas" that have been identified by the UN as dangerous, over 1,200 have been cleared, creating a safer environment for development and economic activity.

In accordance with the Sudan Mine Action Strategic Framework, a Landmine Impact Survey is currently being conducted to comprehensively assess the extent of mine and ERW contamination in the country.

Representing the Governor of Kassala State, Al Arabab Mohamed El Fadel thanked the UN for its Information Day, stating that Kassala State's Public Administration Offices would continue to raise awareness of mines and UXOs. "This is the right step for development in Kassala and we shall continue," he said.

The Information Day also included sporting activities involving landmine/ERW victims, exhibitions, music, drama and cultural performances by groups representing the different tribes of Kassala State.