International Mine Awareness Day: New study evidences the impact of humanitarian mine action on resilience, peace and development

On this International Day for Mine Awareness, DRC releases a new study that shows how Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) saves lives, fosters livelihoods and promotes peace, and its necessity to ensure that people can return safely to their homes and resume their lives.

DRC’s new research Mine Action and Livelihoods: evidencing the effects shows that clearance efforts contribute to improved livelihoods and unlock opportunities for strengthening trust and social cohesion at the community level focusing on Afghanistan, Iraq and South Sudan.

The study highlights that Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) in Afghanistan brought benefits to individuals affected by conflict and displacement. Respondents said that they could use the released land for agricultural purposes, and for ensuring a basic income and source of food for their family, ultimately increasing their self-reliance and sufficiency.

Similarly, in Iraq, the analysis confirms that clearance and explosive ordnance disposal benefited individuals affected by explosive ordnance contamination. The release of land allowed for agriculture, grazing, resettlement, or other socio-economic activities.

In South Sudan, respondents declared that the primary use of the cleared land was to feed their families rather than to sell a small surplus on the market. Although economic benefits were limited, clear gains were observed in terms of food security and an increased feeling of safety. 

Yet, for too many communities around the world, landmines and other remnants of war continue to threaten lives and livelihoods and prevent people from returning home.

Their fate is further threatened by the most recent developments that see Finland planning to leave the APMBC and Poland and the Baltic states pondering to do the same - this is a worrisome development that will erode the norms against these horrendous weapons, put more lives at risk, and hinder development and peace. 

Our work globally highlights how land clearance and explosive ordnance disposal contribute to peace and development.

Stories from Libya, the occupied Palestinian territory, Sudan and Ukraine show how humanitarian mine action unlocks livelihoods opportunities. Land release, victim assistance, explosive ordnance risk education and advocacy impact social capital and, consequently, directly influence livelihoods and the feeling of safety.

Ensuring that areas are cleared of explosive ordinance strengthens relations of trust, mutual understanding and economic stability.  

As we honour our colleagues involved in mine action activities, we call on all Humanitarian Mine Action donors, national authorities and operators to join forces for collective action, preserve the norms and maintain the endeavours to keep people safe.