A/RES/53/26 Page 4 the relevant technology, and conscious of the need to promote further and more rapid progress in this field and to foster international technical cooperation to this end, Recognizing that, in addition to the primary role of States, the United Nations has an important role in the field of assistance in mine action, Noting with satisfaction the inclusion in the mandates of several peacekeeping operations of provisions relating to mine-clearance work carried out under the direction of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the Secretariat, in the context of such operations, Commending the activities already undertaken by the United Nations system, donor and recipient Governments, the International Committee of the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations to coordinate their efforts and seek solutions to the problems related to the presence of mines and other unexploded devices, as well as their assistance to victims of mines, Also commending the role of the Secretary-General in increasing public awareness of the problem of landmines, and in the establishment of the central landmine database and inventories of mine-awareness materials and mine-clearance techniques, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations in assistance in mine clearance;8 2. Welcomes, in particular, the efforts made by the United Nations to foster the establishment of mine-clearance capacities in countries where mines constitute a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of the local population, and, emphasizing the importance of developing national mine-clearance capacities, urges all Member States and regional organizations, particularly those that have the capacity to do so, to assist mine-affected countries in the establishment and development of their national mine-clearance capacities; 3. Invites Member States to develop national programmes, in cooperation with regional organizations and the relevant bodies of the United Nations system where appropriate, to promote awareness of landmines, especially among children; 4. Expresses its appreciation to Governments and regional organizations for their financial contributions to the Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Clearance and other demining programmes, and appeals to them to continue this support through further contributions; 5. Encourages all relevant multilateral and national programmes and bodies to include, in coordination with the United Nations, activities related to mine action in their humanitarian, rehabilitation, reconstruction and development assistance activities, where appropriate, bearing in mind the need to ensure national ownership, sustainability and capacity-building; 6. Stresses the importance of international support for emergency assistance to victims of mines and the care and rehabilitation, and social and economic reintegration, of such victims; 8 A/53/496. /...