On International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Sen. Leahy and Rep. Johnson Introduce Resolutions to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to International Landmine Clearance.
On Monday, April 4, Senator Patrick Leahy and Representative Bill Johnson introduced resolutions in the Senate and House calling on the U.S. to continue supporting landmine clearance. The resolutions call for the government to intensify efforts to clear mined areas to the fullest extent possible by 2025.
The resolutions go on to emphasize the importance of U.S. leadership in the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance, specifically by addressing legacy ordnance as an urgent humanitarian priority.
Clearing these weapons of war has saved the lives of civilians and U.S. troops worldwide. It has allowed communities to economically develop and has given displaced people opportunities to return to their homes. Removing mines allows families to use cleared land for agriculture, creating food-secure communities, and supports worldwide conservation efforts.
The resolutions come on this year’s International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. April 4th was established by the UN in December 2005 to commemorate the strides the international community has made in the clearance of these deadly weapons. Continued U.S. leadership is crucial if we are going to reach our goal of a mine-free world.
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