In the year 2005, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 4 as official International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. So this day is firstly observed on April 4, 2006. The real motive of this day is to promote continued efforts by states, with assistance from the UN and relevant organizations. It is to help establish and develop national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosive war remnants constitute a serious threat to the safety, health, and lives of people. Or also helps to hinder social and economic development at the national and local levels.
This year the theme of this day is "Mine Action: Advancing Protection, Peace, and Development".
 
According to the Report in 2005, 84 countries were affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance. It together kills or maims between 15,000 and 20,000 adults and children annually. The UN works together with countries to find and destroy these devices. It also helps to provide various mine-action services in many countries.

About United Nations Mine Action Strategy (UNMAS):
The UN mine action activities are guided by four strategic objectives identified in the United Nations Mine Action Strategy. They are:
• For reduction of death and injury by at least 50%.
• To mitigate the risk to community livelihoods and expand freedom of movement for at least 80% of the most seriously affected communities.
• For integration of mine action needs into national development and reconstruction plans and budgets in at least 15 countries.
• To assist the development of national institutions to manage the landmine/explosive remnants of war threat, and at the same time prepare for residual response capacity in at least 15 countries.