New York, NY – Algeria showcased its extensive experience in landmine clearance at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The presentation coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing the critical link between mine action and disability rights.
Algeria, in collaboration with Austria and New Zealand, partnered with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Department of Peace Operations, and the UN Development Programme to host a high-level event and exhibition. The event highlighted the devastating consequences of anti-personnel mines, focusing on shifting perceptions of persons with disabilities and showcasing international progress in victim assistance and inclusion.
During the opening ceremony, Algeria detailed its historical struggle with the remnants of colonial-era landmines. The Algerian delegation recalled that the French colonial administration planted over 11 million mines during its occupation.
Ambassador Toufik Koudri, Deputy Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations, addressed the historical tragedy, stating that the “density of mines reached 11 mines per capita in border areas and an average of 1.2 mines per capita nationally. This resulted in thousands of victims, a plight that continued for decades after independence.”
Algeria emphasized that “mine action is not only a technical endeavor, but fundamentally a matter of justice for victims, a catalyst for development, and an affirmation of justice.” The delegation further stated that “mines threaten fundamental rights to life, freedom of movement, education, and employment,” underscoring the “need to ensure the full and effective inclusion of survivors and persons with disabilities in society.”
The event was attended by prominent UN figures, including Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and UN Global Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Conflict, Giles Duley. Participants collectively stressed the need to intensify international efforts to achieve a mine-free world and ensure the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities. DZWatch continues to follow this developing story.
