The Congressional UXO/Demining Caucus Celebrates International Mine Awareness Day
On April 16th, the Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)/Demining Caucus hosted a virtual event celebrating International Mine Awareness Day with record levels of attendance.
The event highlighted the successes that the demining sector has made, while acknowledging the tremendous work that lies ahead. Co-chairs of the Congressional Demining/UXO Caucus, Representatives Jackie Speier (D-CA-14) and Bill Johnson (R-OH-6), urged continued bipartisan support for this crucial humanitarian work.
Representative Speier stated, “It is important for us to draw attention to this issue [landmines and unexploded ordnance] in our country and emphasize that we are not doing enough.”
Representative Johnson stated, “The humanitarian work being conducted through the State Department, Department of Defense, and USAID is critical in enabling displaced persons to rebuild and local economies to flourish.”
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) spoke about the importance of U.S. leadership in addressing the global use of landmines. Senator Leahy stated, “When you visit a hospital of landmine victims, and you see children, it breaks your heart . . . We need to do whatever necessary to help.”
Other speakers included Mr. Stanley Brown, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Programs and Operations for the State Department Bureau of Political-Military Affairs; and Mr. John Trigilio, Acting Principal Director, Stability and Humanitarian Affairs for the Department of Defense.
Mr. Brown stated, “We believe this work improves our national security, keeps communities safe, and improves the lives of families.”
The event included remarks from actor and United Nations global advocate for the elimination of mines and explosive hazards, Daniel Craig, who stated, “I’m grateful for the efforts of so many that champion this cause, to Members of Congress who bring this issue into the spotlight, to the U.S. Government and organizations that carry out demining efforts, and to advocates committed to seeing a mine free world.”
See the impact of demining efforts here. And, watch a clip of Daniel Craig’s remarks below.
