According to the decision of the United Nations, April 4 was declared an International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. Problem of mines currently affects 68 countries around the world, among which Bosnia and Herzegovina occupies one of the leading places. In addition to causing tremendous suffering of the civilian population, the problem of mines also has a direct impact on the economic development of the country that was affected by the war.

According to official data over 110 million landmines currently lies across the world. Since 1975 mines have maimed or killed over a million people worldwide. Statistical data show that the laying of minefields takes 25 to 100 times less time than removing them.

All the negative consequences that are caused as a result of the production and use of antipersonnel mines were first seriously considered only in 90's of last century, when the world's humanitarian organizations protested against this world-spread evil. At that time mines were widely produced, and were part of the arsenal of all armies in the world. Only then it was realized that the continued production and expansion of trade led to the disaster with unforeseeable consequences.

In December 1997 representatives of many countries signed the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, Import and Export of Antipersonnel Mines and on their destruction, also known as the Ottawa Treaty. However, many expressed their reservations when it comes to full implementation of the provisions of this Convention. Namely, it is common knowledge that Russia and Myanmar (formerly Burma), as well as some non-state groups, are still using these mines.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most mine contaminated country in Europe. It is estimated that over 3.5% of BiH's territory is still covered with mines and that more than 900,000 people are threatened by mines or UXO.

Mine clearance of contaminated areas has been going in a very slow pace and is directly dependent on available financial resources allocated for this purpose. The weakening of interest from foreign donors for the mine problem in BiH obligates local authorities to take major involvement in providing funds for demining.

Since 1996 to date 1636 people in BiH were wounded by mines. Since the end of the war, Tuzla Canton has recorded over 200 mine related accidents with 109 persons killed and 123 persons lightly or seriously injured.

Marking the International Day for Mine Action in BiH is of special significance and importance. This day is marked by many organizations in BiH among whom are the International Red Cross, the Mine Action Centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH MAC), UNICEF, UNDP, EUFOR, the ITF, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH and others.