Press Releases

UK Commits to Rid Deadly Mines in Afghanistan and Sudan

4 Apr 2018 | New York

The United Kingdom, through its Department for International Development (DFID) has committed to clearing a further 20 km² of land and 1,000 km more of priority routes for humanitarian aid delivery in Afghanistan and Sudan, in partnership with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). This funding is part of DFID’s global efforts to address the landmine issue through a multi-year £100 million UK aid package announced last year.

Japan Donates USD 9.3 Million to Humanitarian Mine Action

1 Apr 2018 | New York

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has received a contribution of USD 9.3 million to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action (UN VTF) from the Government of Japan to undertake critical humanitarian mine action programming in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and South Sudan. Japan is one of the largest donors to the UN VTF providing over USD 132 million since 2010. In addition to its financial support, UNMAS benefits from the provision of Japanese in-kind personnel.

Launching of the project “Protecting Civilians in Syria through Humanitarian Mine Action Coordination (1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019)” funded by the Government of Japan

1 Apr 2018 | Beirut

Beirut, 1 April 2018 – with the support from the Government of Japan (USD 1.3 million), the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Syria Response launched the project “Protecting Civilians in Syria through Humanitarian Mine Action Coordination” to reinforce the protection of civilians in Syria through humanitarian mine action activities.

UNMAS welcomes an additional contribution from the UK to enable the safe, dignified and voluntary return of people to Mosul

31 Mar 2018 | Baghdad

The UK Government has donated an additional 1 million GBP (1.3 million USD) to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), increasing the UK total contribution to 14.2 million GBP (20 million USD). The additional funding will boost UNMAS support to stabilization efforts by increasing survey and clearance of critical infrastructure in liberated areas. This is important before rehabilitation can commence and crucial for the safe, dignified and voluntary returns of displaced people.

Japan’s USD 4.5 Million Contribution for Emergency Response Extends Support for Explosive Hazard Clearance in Iraq

28 Mar 2018 | Baghdad

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) welcomes the contribution of USD 4.5 million from the Government of Japan to support the UNMAS Iraq emergency response related to on-going humanitarian and stabilization efforts in liberated areas contaminated with explosive hazards. Close to 2.3 million people are still displaced. Schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, electrical power stations and water treatment plants are still contaminated by explosive hazards in liberated areas.

Supported by the European Union, UNMAS Continues to Address Explosive Threats to Enable Stabilization in Liberated Areas of Iraq

20 Feb 2018 | Baghdad

One in 10 internally displaced persons (IDPs) not planning to return home cites explosive hazards as the reason. If the safe removal of explosive hazards including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is delayed, the ability for those who have been displaced to return is compromised. Similarly is the ability of the Government of Iraq and the international community hampered to undertake critical post-conflict interventions. Over 50% of Iraqis who were displaced by ISIL and the military operations following to defeat ISIL have returned home.

UNMAS Iraq ‘Clearance Mission’ Seen as ‘Tipping Point’ Between Past Conflict and a Normal Future

13 Feb 2018 | Kuwait City

Lives and livelihoods in Iraq’s liberated areas are being restored at long last. In Fallujah, as many as 1,800 vehicles and 100 pedestrians per hour can cross the re-opened ‘new bridge’ linking Baghdad with Al-Anbar Province. The fibre optic cable connecting more than 3,000 customers with Baghdad has been restored. The Jadidah fuel station, which had been closed for three years, now pumps an average of more than 31,000 litres for 300 vehicles per day.

Germany now UNMAS largest contributor for clearance of explosive hazards in Iraq

9 Jan 2018 | Baghdad

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) welcomes an additional contribution of € 17 million ($20.2 million) from the Government of Germany towards survey and clearance of explosive ordnance in support of humanitarian and stabilization initiatives. The overall contribution, totalling € 44.2 million ($52.5 million) since 2016, makes the Government of Germany the most significant donor to UNMAS in Iraq.

Italy Leads Delegation of Mine Action Donors to Lebanon

8 Dec 2017

Italy Leads Delegation of Mine Action Donors to Lebanon Naqoura, 18 May 2017 - Ambassador Inigo Lambertini, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Italian Mission to the United Nations, led a delegation of mine action donors to Lebanon from May 15 to 17, 2017. The mission was an initiative of the Mine Action Support Group (MASG), a coalition of Member State donors committed to raising funds and awareness for mine action activities where they are needed most. Italy serves as the current Chair of the MASG.