Mine Action Weekly, 20 - 26 January 2025
Markus Schindler
Strategic Development & Innovation Manager at FSD | Editor of Mine Action Weekly | Capacity Development & Localisation Geek | Researcher
Welcome to the newest edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter - your go-to source for the most important global updates from the mine action sector. Read about the latest news on EO contamination & clearance, EORE, accidents and victim assistance, advocacy efforts, stockpile destruction, mine action innovation & technology, and assistance, cooperation & funding - right here, every Monday. Dive right in and stay up-to-date!
Disclaimers:
Weekly News Roundup
The weekly news roundup showcases a low-down of the top mine action news and insights from the past seven days.
1. EO Contamination, Clearance & Land Release
???? Azerbaijan: 189 landmines neutralised in Azerbaijan’s liberated lands last week
From 13 to 19 January 2025, a total of 100 anti-tank mines, 89 anti-personnel mines, and 5192 pieces of unexploded ordnance were detected and neutralised. Also, 601 hectares of land were cleared of mines.
???? Cambodia clears 3,297 sq km of landmine-contaminated land, benefiting millions of rural people
Cambodia has cleared and released 3,297 square km of land contaminated by all forms of explosive ordnance in the last 32 years, benefiting millions of rural people, a senior official said on Thursday.
???? Cambodia: UNDP mine clearance project lauded for ‘gifting life’ to 1.2M people
Since its inception in 2006, the 联合国开发计划署 -coordinated “Mine Clearance for Results” project has successfully cleared 384 square kilometres of mine-contaminated land, directly benefiting more than 1.2 million people.?
???? Canada: Unexploded ordnances have been a concern in the Greater Vernon area for decades
Decades of military training have left the Greater Vernon area with numerous unexploded ordnances (UXOs), posing ongoing safety concerns despite cleanup efforts. Authorities advise residents to report any suspected UXOs to local law enforcement.
???? Central African Republic: Turning Tragedy into Hope
In the Central African Republic, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) collaborates with MINUSCA to enhance national capacities in explosive ordnance threat mitigation and mine action, aiming to protect civilians and support peacekeeping efforts.
???? Colombia: Humanitarian demining: a return to the land that brings hope
In Colombia's Cauca region, Julio César's family returned to their ancestral land after 24 years of displacement due to conflict. 国际助残 's demining efforts enabled them to safely resume farming, planting 5,500 coffee plants and cultivating various crops. Read more here.
???? Israel National Mine Action Authority Clears More Than 200 Mines in Golan Heights
The Israel National Mine Action Authority (INMAA) has cleared more than 200 mines in the past two weeks in the Golan Heights, in an area of some 12.5 acres. The Defence Ministry notes that the INMAA has cleared more than 1,600 acres of land across Israel in the past year. Since the INMAA started operations in the Golan Heights, it has cleared about 105 acres and carried out controlled explosions of more than 4,500 anti-tank mines placed there in the late 1980s.
???? ???? Laos: U.S. Conventional Weapons Destruction Program in Lao PDR
The U.S. has provided over $391 million since 1995 to Laos for clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO), removing more than 155,600 UXO items from over 108 million square meters of land, enhancing safety and supporting economic development.
???? Myanmar: AA Removes More Than 100 Landmines on Main Access Road in Front of NaKhaKha-5 in Maungdaw
The Arakan Army (AA) has successfully removed more than 100 landmines from the primary access road to Maungdaw Town, situated in front of the 5th Border Guard Police Battalion (NaKhaKha-5) in the western region of Arakan State.?Read more here.
???? Palestine: UN humanitarians rushing aid to Gazans, assessing damage
Following the recent ceasefire, the UN, including the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) , are accelerating aid to Gaza. According to Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, “one of the things the United Nations does in conflict zones and in post-conflict situations is deal with the questions of rubble removal, demining, and the clearance of unexploded ordnance and rebuilding.”
???? Palestine: Families returning to parts of Gaza face danger of unexploded bombs underground
While fighting in the air may have stopped in Gaza, danger remains for Palestinians returning to parts of the war-torn territory due to unexploded bombs on the ground. They blend in with the mounds of rubble and destruction.?
???? Palestine: Gaza Interior Ministry continues to neutralise, clear Israeli war remnants following ceasefire
Despite lack of equipment, Gaza Interior Ministry's explosive teams carried out 170 missions for removing unexploded munitions from residential areas.
???? Palestine: It could take 10 years to clear unexploded bombs from Gaza: UN
The UN humanitarian agency, United Nations OCHA , says that one of the challenges for Gaza’s recovery will be clearing land mines and other unexploded ordnance left behind by 15 months of war. OCHA cited a recent report from the Global Protection Cluster , a group of UN and other humanitarian organisations, which estimated the explosives buried in the rubble in Gaza would take “$500 million over 10 years to clear” from some 42 million tonnes of rubble which also contains asbestos, other hazardous contaminants and human remains.
???? Syria: A deadly legacy… Efforts to remove war remnants in Syria
Landmines and unexploded remnants of war pose one of the most severe threats facing Syrians in the post-regime collapse era, hindering the return to normalcy and the resumption of work.
???? Syria: The silent slaughter of civilians - including children - killed by landmines
According to The HALO Trust since early December, coinciding with the fall of Assad, at least 144 people have been killed, including 27 children. Last year, at least 212 civilians lost their lives to explosive remnants of war, including 28 women and 63 children. Land clearance work critical to a true rebirth of the country.
???? Syria: The minefields of Syria
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in early December, at least 144 people, including 27 children, have been killed by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Syria. Many victims were farmers returning to their lands after displacement. Organisations like The HALO Trust are working to clear these dangers.
???? Ukraine: OPINION: A Fresh Take on Ukraine’s Explosive Remnants of War Challenges
Ukraine faces extensive landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination, threatening civilians and recovery efforts. The article emphasises the need for international cooperation, demining strategies, and risk education, particularly for children, to ensure safety and rebuild post-conflict communities.
???? Ukraine: 2024 Results: 160 Hectares Demined and 2063 Hectares Assessed in Mykolaiv Region
In 2024, Ukrainian Demining Services (UDS) demined 160 hectares and assessed 2,063 hectares in Mykolaiv region, fulfilling obligations under a memorandum with the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration. Plans for 2025 include continued demining and non-technical surveys to support agricultural activities.
???? Ukraine: UDS has been granted a permit to conduct explosive operations
Ukrainian Demining Services (UDS) has received a five-year permit from the State Labor Service to conduct explosive operations. This authorization allows UDS to use explosives for the disposal of unexploded ordnance, enhancing their demining capabilities.
???? UK Tells Offshore Developers "Make Less Noise" During Bomb Disposal
The UK government is telling the developers of offshore sites including wind farms to adopt new tactics to ”reduce harmful noise” as they continue to build the projects. During surveys and development, they often encounter unexploded shells and bombs left over from the two World Wars that need to be disposed of as well as construction steps such as pile driving which creates underwater noise.
???? Yemen: Saudi project clears 732 Houthi mines in Yemen
Members of Saudi Arabia’s Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen removed 732 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. The total included eight anti-personnel mines, 51 anti-tank mines, 672 unexploded ordnances and one explosive device.
?? ???? U.S. Conventional Weapons Destruction in
?? The Horn of Africa – it’s not just Band Aid and Black Hawk Down
The HALO Trust emphasises the importance of demining in the Horn of Africa, highlighting that while immediate aid addresses urgent needs, comprehensive mine clearance is essential for long-term stability and development in the region.
?? Infrastructure and Peacebuilding: Examining the implications of mine clearance in Angola and Somaliland
The article by Eka Ikpe was announced as one of the winners of the 2025 King's Engaged Research Awards. The research is impact-informed and has helped shape understanding on the relationship between mine clearance as a technical security-related activity on the one hand, and humanitarian and long-term sustainable development on the other hand.
Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:
2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
???? ???? Azerbaijan, UNICEF strengthen cooperation on mine awareness and education
The Chairman of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), recently met with the UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan, to discuss joint efforts in educating the public about the dangers posed by landmines. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation and reviewing existing projects aimed at raising awareness on mine threats.
???? Palestine: HI runs risk awareness campaigns to protect the population
国际助残 has been running large-scale awareness campaigns in Gaza to warn people about the dangers of explosive remnants and teach them on how to protect themselves during bomb attacks. Read more here.
???? Palestine: Returning home in Gaza: Life-saving messages for communities
As communities being to return home in Gaza, MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is sharing life-saving messages through digital platforms to help people stay safe from unexploded bombs that may be?hidden in rubble, homes, and public spaces.
???? United States: Safety first: Fort Knox 3R Program educates community on unexploded ordnance procedures
Recognize, retreat, report – with a longstanding history of munitions training in various areas on and around past and present military installations, the Department of Defence developed an unexploded ordnance (UXO) safety class for all ages called the 3R Program. The program focuses on the 3R steps but also goes into detail on what a UXO is, what they can look like and tips for encounters, like marking the surrounding area for the authorities.
3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance
???? Azerbaijan: 10-year-old landmine survivor from Aghdam to be special guest at Qarabag vs. FCSB Match
Huseyn Huseynzada, a 10-year-old boy from Aghdam who survived a tragic landmine explosion, will walk onto the field alongside the main referee before the start of the UEFA Europa League match between Qarabag and FCSB.
Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:
4. Advocacy, Policy, Conventions, Strategies and Standards
???? Cambodia: Ly Thuch asks NPA to support preparation of National Mine Action Policy and request for extension of Cambodia’s third mine clearance
Senior Minister Ly Thuch has requested Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) to assist in developing Cambodia's National Mine Action Policy and in preparing a request to extend the country's third mine clearance deadline.
???? Mali: Humanitarian needs and response plan 2025
United Nations OCHA in Mali has released the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025 for Mali. Within the Mine Action Sector alone, 1.3 million people are identified as being in urgent need of protection. The plan aims to reach 1 million individuals through targeted interventions, for which the Mine Action sector is requesting $7.3 million in funding to make this possible.
?? New guidance on environmental management and climate change
New guidance on environmental management and climate change has been released in a new IMAS technical note. The document provides additional guidance to mine action organisations and national authorities on how to manage environmental and climate change considerations.
5. Stockpile Destruction, PSSM and Disarmament
6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends
???? French Navy Receives First Marine Mine-Hunter Drone
The French Navy has received its first mine warfare surface drone under the Future Mine Countermeasures System (SLAMF) program. Equipped with a towed sonar linked to a portable operations center in Brest, the system aims for initial operational capability by late 2025. SLAMF will replace existing mine countermeasure assets and enhance naval operational freedom.
???? Ukraine: Use of UAVs and satellite imagery for surveying mined areas has been approved at level of state standards
Ukraine has regulated the use of UAVs and the results of satellite image analysis during the inspection of areas contaminated by explosive objects at the state standard level. The National Standardization Body adopted the relevant DSTU 8820-5: 2024 "Mine action. Management processes. Part 5. Land release processes".
7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation
???? Afghanistan: UK increases funding to clear landmines in Afghanistan
The UK government has increased support for The HALO Trust , a Scottish charity dedicated to clearing deadly explosives in Afghanistan, according to a statement by UK embassy for Afghanistan. This funding of ￡3 million will allow the HALO Trust to continue its work removing landmines and unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan between April 2025 to March 2026, the statement said.
???? Cambodia: CMAC, NPA to strengthen cooperation on demining
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) have agreed to strengthen their demining cooperation. CMAC Director-General Heng Ratana highlighted ongoing support from NPA, funded by the U.S. and Germany, to enhance demining efforts in Cambodia.
???? ???? Cambodia: UNDP commits to supporting mine action in Cambodia
Ms Alissar Chaker, Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Cambodia ( 联合国开发计划署 ), highly appreciated the success of the results achieved in the implementation of the National Mine Action Strategy (NMAS) 2018-2025 and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting the mine action sector in Cambodia.
???? Ukraine: Lasercom donates mine clearance hooks to save lives in Ukraine
Lasercom AB , a leader in laser cutting, welding and precision manufacturing, has made a significant contribution to Ukraine’s mine clearance efforts by donating between 2000-3000 specially designed mine clearance hooks.
???? ???? Ukraine: Norway Increases Support for Mine Clearance in Ukraine
Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) is a global leader in using mine detection dogs and is clearing large areas in Ukraine of mines and explosives. Norway is increasing its support for this work by NOK 164 million in 2025.
???? ?? Ukraine: The Demining Coalition will procure over €30 million worth of equipment and resources to support Ukraine
The Demining Capability Coalition plans to procure over €30 million worth of equipment and resources in 2025 to clear explosive remnants in Ukraine. This initiative was discussed during the coalition's 10th working group meeting, with participation from Ukrainian officials and international partners.
???? United Kingdom: Mine-clearing charity given ￡7m to continue work in Ukraine and Afghanistan
The UK Government will fund The HALO Trust with ￡7m, which will enable the charity to make land safe for agriculture in Ukraine, and to restore basic services affected by the threat of explosives in Afghanistan.
???? U.S. Global Leadership in Landmine Clearance and Conventional Weapons Destruction
The U.S., the largest supporter of global landmine clearance, committed $398 million in 2023, clearing 47,218 acres, removing 243,912 explosives, and educating 4.4 million civilians. Efforts improve security, rebuild economies, and prevent weapon access by terrorists.
???? United States: State Dept. Halts Global Mine-Clearing Programs
The U.S. State Department has temporarily halted global mine-clearing programs for at least three months to reassess foreign aid under a new executive order. This decision impacts critical demining efforts worldwide, including Ukraine, and raises concerns about global food security and safety.
???? ???? Vietnam: Norwegian Parliamentary (Stortinget) Delegation to NPA Vietnam’s Operations Site in Thua Thien Hue
On 22 January 2025, a Norwegian parliamentary delegation led by Aslaug Sem-Jacobsen visited Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) Vietnam's operations in Phong Dien township, Hue city. They were briefed on demining procedures and the integration of environmental and women's empowerment initiatives. Sem-Jacobsen praised NPA's efforts in enhancing local safety and socio-economic development.
8. Other News
?? CAT-UXO Releases Smartphone App
The CAT-UXO smartphone app, now available for download, replicates the website and allows offline access to technical UXO data. Users can download and test the app, provide feedback, and access additional members' content to enhance lifesaving knowledge.
Videos
Nowadays, Ukraine has become one of the most contaminated areas in the world. Watch the interview with Paul Heslop, the Senior Mine Action Advisor in the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Ukraine, about the current situation of mine action in Ukraine.
Journalist Michael Holtz shared his first-hand experience following the race to remove the mines believed to cover an area the size of Florida.
The HALO Trust ’s Paul McCann is in Idlib Province, northern Syria, where their teams are doing all they can to cope with the “huge demand” from people to clear the land of deadly mines and explosives, and protect the lives and livelihoods of the local community.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) spokesperson Andrea Tenenti appreciated Chinese Peacekeeping Contingent to Lebanon for their great dedication and professionalism in mine-clearing work, in an interview about situation in southern Lebanon.?
The Explosive Harvesting Program (EHP) by Golden West Humanitarian Foundation repurposes recovered ordnance into over 680,000 high-quality shaped charges for landmine disposal in Cambodia, significantly supporting nationwide demining efforts and advancing the goal of a mine-free, safer Cambodia.
Upcoming Events, Courses & Trainings
There are a number of interesting events for the mine action sector in the coming months, and some of the deadlines are approaching quickly.
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Human Rights, Humanitarian Disarmament
1 个月Thanks for including this development https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/25/us/politics/mine-clearing-programs-state-dept.html
Practicing Attorney, Professor, Policy Advocate, UN ????
1 个月Thanks for this! Very informative!
FSD-Operation Manager
1 个月Very informative, Thanks Markus Schindler