Global context of landmines and demining efforts in Colombia

SUMMARY: In 2005 the U.N. instituted the first International Landmine Awareness Day, calling for joint action by states to encourage demining activities in countries where landmines pose a serious threat to the safety, health and life of civilian populations. Even though landmines as military weapons are banned or discouraged by different international agreements, many countries still experience hundreds of civilian deaths caused by landmines.