28 March 2019

This week ICBL-CMC joined donors and mine action partners in Geneva for a two-day workshop on mine action coordination in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Mine Action Coordination Mtg Operators

The workshop, hosted by the Afghanistan State Ministry for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, the US Department of State, and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, brought together mine action operators, victim assistance advocates and landmine survivors, policy experts, government ministry representatives and donors to take stock of 30 years of mine action in Afghanistan. 

Afghanistan Mine Action Coordination Mtg Survivor

Afghanistan Mine Action Coordination Mtg GICHD Staff

Workshop sessions were devoted to discussion of ongoing mine action challenges in the country including among others, proliferation of implemented explosive devices, sustainable funding support, and gaining access for humanitarian assistance. ICBL-CMC chaired a session dedicated to meeting the needs of survivors.

The Landmine Monitor reported 2300 casualties from mines and explosive remnants of war in Afghanistan in 2017, nearly half of which were caused by improvised mines. 

Discussion also focused on emerging opportunities in the form of new technologies and methodologies, as well as effective data recording and data use in mine action. 

Afghanistan Mine Action Coordination Mtg Public Panel

Following conclusion of the workshop yesterday, 27 March, a public panel discussion was held - Saving Lives and Limbs: Gaining Humanitarian access to communities in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is one of the countries most affected in the world by mines and explosive remnants of war. Mine clearance has been severely hampered in the country by a lack of funding since 2012, and insecurity.