News & Events At a glance April 4: International Mine Awareness Day
Detectors and Systems

April 4: International Mine Awareness Day

Mines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and explosive remnants of war (ERW) are still a major threat and claim thousands of victims worldwide every year - including many civilians and children. On the „International Mine Awareness Day“ the United Nations aim to raise awareness of this deplorable state of affairs.

Around the world 164 countries have signed an agreement to ban anti-personnel mines. This so-called Ottawa Treaty prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requires their destruction. However, many states and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are often dependent on international donors to be able to implement the measures set out in the Ottawa Treaty, such as mine clearance campaigns or the procurement of mine clearance equipment.

 

 

In 59 countries there are areas that are still contaminated with anti-personnel mines (Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor, 2019). These countries include Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq and Cambodia.

VALLON detectors are used worldwide by various non-governmental organizations, armed forces, authorities and ordnance clearance services for humanitarian demining. It is particularly important to VALLON to adapt detectors to current needs through a direct exchange with customers and to further optimize them, thereby making its contribution to the implementation of the Ottawa Treaty.