UPPER NILE - While South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, continues to navigate its journey from war to peace, much remains to be done to ensure that the scars of past conflict

Landmines and unexploded ordnance are tangible reminders of violence that pose a real and present danger to women, men, and children across the country.

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), therefore, leads a coordinated and proactive response to this serious issue.

This week, UNMAS marked International Day for Mine Awareness in Malakal, Upper Nile state by conducting an awareness raising session for communities living here.

“This year’s theme is Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home,” said Iveta Havlickova, UNMAS Field Coordinator for Upper Nile. “We, therefore, came up with a programme that involves children, because often, it is children who come across potentially dangerous objects while they are playing or going to school. Being young, they don’t understand the threat of picking up such hazardous objects or playing with them. It is vital that we reach out to them.”

The event combined fun with learning—children participated in games as well as learnt to identify unexploded ordnance, plus what to do if they accidentally find one.

“We also educated adults and parents attending the event,” added Ms. Havlickova.

“For our interventions across South Sudan to be successful and to ensure that no individual, family, or community suffers the devastating and, at times, fatal consequences of landmines or unexploded ordnance, risk education is essential. UNMAS, therefore, partners with the people we are here to serve and the National Mine Action Authority,” she continued.

For participating community members, the event was both an eye-opener and a relief.

“I used to be afraid when my children would go to play in the fields, knowing that we still have dangerous remnants of conflict spread across our country,” says Anger Ayat, a mother of seven. “But after hearing from the UNMAS team and understanding the important work they are doing to keep people safe from harm, I’m confident that my children will grow up in a safe environment. For example, last week an elderly gentleman discovered unexploded ordnance and upon hearing the report, the UNMAS team cleared the area in just hours,” she stated. “It is heartening to know they are here for us.”

Some 150 children participated in the event which was held at the Malakal stadium.

They too gained from UNMAS’ outreach. When 8-year-old Akuol Deng was asked what she would do if she found an unidentified object, her answer was succinct: “I won’t touch it and stay far away because it may be dangerous. I will also immediately tell the adults in my family because they will know what to do next.”

UNMAS also conducted similar risk education sessions with UNMISS peacekeepers.

“Safe Ground” is the name of the global campaign “turning minefields into playing fields,” which was launched by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in 2019, and the concept of clearing the Earth of landmines and other explosive hazards to make it safe for development.

“Safe Steps” brings attention to the trepidation that too many people experience when they move about, not knowing if they will detonate an explosive that could maim or kill them at any moment. “Safe Steps” also describes the procedures that deminers use when approaching contaminated areas and includes application of new technology to safely removing explosive hazards.

“Safe Home” is about restoring the personal security of individuals and communities in post-conflict settings. There is no place like home, and it is difficult to feel at home without security and community.