Communiqué of the 1271st Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 1 April 2025, on the Commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

Abstract

At its 1271st meeting on 1 April 2025, the AU Peace and Security Council commemorated the International Day for Mine Awareness. It expressed deep concern over the continuing threat of anti-personnel mines, ERWs, and IEDs, highlighting their devastating impact on humanitarian and development efforts. The Council commended Member States that ratified key international conventions, while urging others to do so. It called for enhanced victim support, national ownership of mine action, and increased funding, amid concerns over declining resources.

The Council reiterated the need to establish a continental mine action mechanism and emphasized experience-sharing among States. It encouraged improvements in clearance technologies and control of materials used in explosive devices. It called on Member States to endorse the EWIPA Political Declaration and prepare for the November 2025 Costa Rica Conference. It further urged education, rehabilitation, and long-term safety programs for affected communities.