April 4th is International Mine Awareness Day, so Mines Action Canada has a few things to share to mark this important day:

1. Mines Action Canada is launching a social media campaign that looks at the progress some mine affected countries have made, and how this progress links to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It's important to have an understanding of how different countries are affected by landmines, and how clearance efforts contribute to overall peace and development. We thank the work of our volunteer, Chathurika Atalugamage, who put this social media awareness campaign together. The photos below show some slides from our first post, which looks at Sri Lanka's progress towards becoming mine free. 

2. The ICBL has put out a press release, calling for urgent action to shift the current dangerous course that the Mine Ban Treaty is on. The ICBL has raised alarm over two major concerns:

1. Rising Political Threats: Treaty Withdrawals Signal Dangerous Regression

2. Crippling Cuts: U.S. Funding Freeze Threatens Global Demining Efforts

The Mine Ban Treaty is facing unprecedented threats, and we need to act urgently and loudly to combat these threats. Every voice matters when it comes to urging these countries to remain in the treaty, urging Canada to speak out in support of the treaty, and for continued funding towards mine action.

3. Consider donating to support Mines Action Canada's work in humanitarian disarmament, where we work hard to combat rising threats and raise awareness for the importance of mine action. We have a fundraising campaign right now where if you donate $100, you will receive a "No Landmines, No Excuses" hat. These hats were worn by our Mine Action Fellows at the Mine Ban Treaty Review Conference, and we received many compliments from both state delegates and civil society. Donate $100 now to receive this hat as a thank you!