Author(s):
Chayer Amelie <amelie@icbl.org> .
Wednesday 09 September 2009
The European Commission (EC) has been one of the largest contributors to mine action projects over the past decade. Up until 2007, the EC had a special budget line dedicated to those projects, which included demining and victim assistance.
However, that budget has now become part of the wider EC development budget, as part of a general change to the EC funding structure. The ICBL has raised concerns about EC funding process changes and feels it is important that operational NGOs and affected countries are aware of and understand the changes.
Since 2007, states seeking support for mine action from the EC need to include it as a priority in their Country Strategy Paper (CSP) and National Indicative Programme (NIP). If mine action is not listed as priority in the CSP/NIP, then no funds for mine action can be made available!
However, as we are about halfway through the 2007-2013 funding cycle, there are mid-term reviews for many states, which are taking place over the course of this year. During these reviews, states may modify the list of priorities for funding in their CSP/NIP to include mine action. This is a unique opportunity to seek funds!
The mid-term review is now underway for Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Peru, Rwanda, Senegal, Thailand, Venezuela, Yemen and Zambia.
Some of those states have already engaged in the process, and the ICBL strongly encourages all others to update their CSP/NIP to make sure they can be eligible for EC funds for mine action. Such funds are obviously critical to many states to help them meet their mine clearance deadlines and provide assistance to landmine victims.
For further information, campaigners and government representatives can contact Tamar Gabelnick, ICBL Treaty Implementation Director, at tamar@icbl.org.
