The Mine Action Programme of Afghanistan (MAPA) celebrated the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action in Kabul today, 4th of April 2019. This high-profile event was participated by H.E. Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive of the Government of Afghanistan, H.E. Najib Aqa Fahim, State Minister for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, H.E Laluddin Aryubee, State Minister for Martyrs and Disability Affairs, H.E. Toby Lanzer, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN, H.E. James DeHart, Assistant Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Kabul, representatives of donor countries, directors of implementing partners and other government and non-governmental organizations.
The need for an understanding of the importance of mine action both as a humanitarian necessity and as a pre-requisite for development in Afghanistan was re-iterated by all speakers in the event. H.E. Dr. Abdullah thanked all donors of the Mine Action programme of Afghanistan for their generous contributions to the programme. H.E. Dr. Abdullah also stated that given the importance of mine action in the country, the needs of the sector will be discussed in the Council of Ministers and Cabinet meetings to ensure the required level of attention and support is given to the important work that MAPA is currently undertaking.
H.E. Dr. Abdullah also promised to discuss the possibility of allocating funds from the national budget to the programme and land to victims’ families in the cabinet meetings. Similarly, H.E Najib Aqa Fahim, State Minister for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs spoke about the need for inclusion of mine action in the national priority programmes. The Event was well-covered by both national and international media.
