The NOK 580 million will be used to support global mine action over the next four years. This is in addition to Norway's existing support for mine action through Norwegian humanitarian organisations such as Norwegian People's Aid and the Norwegian Red Cross. The funding has been allocated to five organisations working in some of the world's most heavily affected countries, including Afghanistan, Colombia, Lebanon, Myanmar, Syria and Yemen.
Together, these organisations deliver a comprehensive mine action response that includes humanitarian demining, mine risk education in local communities and assistance to survivors. Norway also supports work to strengthen support for international norms and rules designed to protect civilians from such weapons. These include the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA).
"We are living in a time when international law and norms are under significant pressure, while the world is simultaneously undergoing a major military build-up. International rules restricting the use of anti-personnel mines and other explosive weapons help protect civilians long after conflicts have ended. These rules exist precisely to limit the use of such weapons in war. That is why it is important to strengthen support for them," said Eide.
Norway also supports several key actors in humanitarian mine action through separate multi-year agreements, including Norwegian People's Aid and the Red Cross Movement. These organisations are not covered by the present allocation.
Organisations receiving support for operational humanitarian mine action
Mine Advisory Group (MAG) – NOK 190 million
Founded in 1989, MAG is one of the world's most experienced humanitarian mine action organisations, with operations in around 25 countries. The organisation has particular expertise in technical survey and clearance, coordination and land release, and places strong emphasis on national mine action structures and local partnerships.
The HALO Trust – NOK 168 million
The HALO Trust is widely regarded as the world's largest humanitarian demining organisation and has been a leading actor in the sector since 1988. The organisation currently operates in more than 30 countries, combining extensive technical clearance capacity with innovative technologies to clear large areas of contaminated land.
Humanity & Inclusion (HI) – NOK 100 million
Humanity & Inclusion (formerly Handicap International) was established in 1982 and operates in more than 60 countries with a comprehensive focus on inclusion, rehabilitation and protection. HI stands out for combining targeted mine clearance and risk education with holistic support to survivors, including physiotherapy, prosthetic services and psychosocial assistance.
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) – NOK 98 million
One of the world's leading humanitarian organisations, DRC works in more than 40 countries to protect displaced and conflict-affected populations. Its dedicated mine action programme, which has been operating since the late 1990s, is currently active in more than ten countries. DRC adopts an integrated approach that links mine clearance with protection, land rights, food security, social cohesion and peacebuilding. This work ensures that cleared land can provide safe and sustainable livelihoods for affected communities.
Campaña Colombiana Contra Minas (CCCM) – NOK 24 million
CCCM was established in 1999 in response to international efforts to ban landmines and played a key role in Colombia's ratification of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. The organisation combines advocacy and coordination with direct operational activities. It plays an important role in mine clearance, risk education and survivor assistance across Colombia and works to reduce the threat posed by landmines and explosive ordnance in the country's most affected areas.