The United Nations Mine Action Service and the United Nations Children's Fund called for immediate action on the 4th to protect Iraqi children from the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war. April 4th is International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. The UNICEF Iraq office issued a statement on the same day stating that landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to threaten the lives of the Iraqi people, and children are one of the most vulnerable groups. According to official United Nations reports, at least 314 Iraqi children have been killed or injured by explosives in the past five years, and over 2700 square kilometers of land in Iraq are still "contaminated" by landmines and explosives. The United Nations Mine Action Service and the United Nations Children's Fund call for urgent action to protect the lives of the most vulnerable populations in Iraq, especially children, from the deadly threat posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war. Per Lodhamar, the project manager of the United Nations Mine Action Service in Iraq, stated that the mission of the United Nations Mine Action Service in Iraq is to promote security and provide opportunities for stability and sustainable development. The Action Department will continue to support the Iraqi government in addressing the issue of explosive "pollution". UNICEF's representative in Iraq, Sandra Latuff, said, 'Every child has the right to a safe and secure childhood, free from the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war.'. (New Society)