On 4 April, the United Nations marks the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. In 2020, this observance takes place against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the health crisis is affecting communities worldwide, millions of people continue to face daily risks from landmines, improvised explosive devices and other explosive remnants of war.

For Global Clearance Solutions (GCS), Mine Awareness Day is a moment to recognise both the persistence of the explosive threat and the responsibility to manage risk carefully, balancing operational necessity with the safety of personnel and partners.

Ongoing operations across regions

Despite restrictions introduced in response to COVID-19, GCS activities continued where conditions and regulations allowed, supported by adapted working practices and strict health and safety measures.

Thailand

Earlier in the year, GCS field technicians carried out major maintenance, repairs and upgrades on mechanical clearance assets supporting border clearance operations. The work focused on restoring reliability and availability of equipment used in humanitarian mine clearance along the Cambodian border.

Colombia

In March, operators from Humanity & Inclusion successfully completed mechanical accreditation with GCS technical support. The milestone marked an important step in safely integrating mechanical assets into clearance operations in challenging terrain.

Iraq

GCS teams progressed with high-risk IED clearance operations under UN mandate, with a strong focus on national capacity building, inclusion and workforce development. Training activities continued through March, laying the groundwork for subsequent operational accreditation once conditions permit.

Operating responsibly during the pandemic

In line with government guidance and public health advice, GCS introduced distancing, hygiene and disinfectant protocols across its facilities and field activities. The wellbeing of staff, partners and their families remains the overriding priority.

At the same time, explosive hazards did not diminish with the onset of the pandemic. Clearance, production planning and technical preparation therefore continued wherever feasible and appropriate, recognising that explosive ordnance remains a daily threat to civilian life in many regions.

At the Stockach site, engineers and technicians continued work on service contracts, lifecycle support activities and product development under adapted conditions, supporting both ongoing operations and future deployments.

Standing together against mines

Before travel restrictions and distancing measures were fully implemented, GCS teams around the world participated locally in the #togetheragainstmines campaign, reinforcing a shared commitment to reducing explosive risks.

Mine action saves lives, enables access to land and infrastructure, and supports recovery long after conflict ends. These objectives remain unchanged, even under exceptional global circumstances.

As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted during the pandemic:

"We are in this together - and we will get through this, together."

GCS thanks its teams and partners for their professionalism, resilience and cooperation during this period, and remains committed to supporting mine action efforts safely and responsibly wherever conditions allow.