Mine Action Teams make significant progress in ridding South Sudan of dangerous explosives

As South Sudan joins the rest of the world to observe the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and its partners have made significant progress in clearing South Sudan of landmines and explosive hazards.

UNMAS Program Manager Richard Boulter says the signing of the revitalized peace agreement has resulted in a peace dividend that has given them access into more contaminated areas in Jonglei and Upper Nile. 

“Twelve months we were talking about a problem that was perhaps 90sq kms in size now we are looking at one that is about 25sq kms in size,” Boulter said.

Mine Action Teams this year celebrated the destruction of its one millionth harmful explosive - each one of those could have killed somebody.

The day will be commemorated with a series of awareness and sporting events at the Mangaten area in Juba under the theme “Safe Ground, Safe Home for All.”

The public is being asked to report any suspicious items to the 24hr hotline: 092-0001055 or via email at report@unmas.org.

Richard Boulter spoke to Irene Lasu and Sebit William in this interview.