In Myanmar, civilians continue to face the risk of injury, disability and death from landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). These hazards can have serious and long-lasting consequences for individuals, families and communities.
To increase awareness of the risks posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war, reduce their harmful impacts and promote safer behaviours, the Myanmar Red Cross Society, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, implements the Risk Awareness and Safer Behaviour Programme. Through this programme, MRCS conducts risk awareness activities in communities across the country.
In regions and states where communities are at higher risk from landmines and explosive remnants of war, MRCS trains local Red Cross volunteers to deliver risk awareness activities. These include community awareness sessions and discussions on the dangers of explosive devices, community-based awareness activities, installation of educational posters and distribution of information materials. MRCS also provides support to community members affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war.
MRCS Red Cross volunteers provide first aid to people who have been injured and facilitate timely transportation to hospitals or health facilities. Where appropriate, volunteers also support blood donation and other immediate humanitarian assistance. For people affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war, MRCS works with partner organizations and prosthetic and rehabilitation centres to facilitate access to medical treatment and rehabilitation services, including support for people who have lost limbs to access prosthetic devices. MRCS began implementing mine risk awareness activities in 2015. In 2023, the programme adopted the broader title “Risk Awareness and Safer Behaviour”, reflecting an expanded focus on promoting awareness of risks and encouraging safer behaviours among communities.
From 2015 to 2025, MRCS conducted risk awareness activities on landmines and explosive remnants of war across 14 regions and states. During this period, 9,815 awareness sessions were conducted, reaching a total of 414,398 participants.
Stay Safe Around Unknown Objects
Landmines and explosive remnants of war can come in many different shapes and forms. They may remain on the surface or buried underground and can remain dangerous for many years without exploding. Even minor contact or disturbance can trigger an explosion, potentially causing serious injury, loss of limbs or death.
If you see a suspicious or unknown object:
- Do not approach it.
- Do not touch or move it.
- Stay away from the area.
- Warn others about the danger.
Recognizing the risk and choosing safer behaviour can help protect lives and reduce the risk of injury from landmines and explosive remnants of war.
