Working towards a Mine Free Sri Lanka

April 4 marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action:

by Subinay Nandy

Every year, mines, explosive remnants of war, and unexploded ordnance, kill or injure thousands worldwide. The human toll is terrible. The disruption to lives and livelihoods and other costs to communities are equally devastating. For post-conflict nations, it is a threat to the safety and welfare of the people living in or returning to these areas, and constrains reconstruction and recovery activities.

Emerging from more than two-decades of armed conflict, Sri Lanka has achieved and continues to achieve fast and successful progress in addressing the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), while at the same time minimizing casualty and injury. Sri Lanka must be proud of its record on Mine Action, clearing over 90% of the identified contaminated areas of land.

As we draw closer towards a mine free Sri Lanka, it feels appropriate to mark the 2015 International Day and the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action by reflecting onour collaborative efforts in the Mine Action sector in Sri Lanka.

Mine Actionis not only about mine clearance. While de-mining, or mine-clearance, is a primary area of work in the sector, Mine Action is alsoabout people and societies. It is about how individuals, families, and communities at large are affected by mine and ERW contamination. It is about removing the threat to the safety and welfare of communities living or returning to the affected areas, and it is about enabling reconstruction and recovery activities to commence.

The vision of the United Nations (UN) is a world free of the threat of mines and ERW, where individuals and communities live in a safe environment conducive to development. It is a world where the human rights and the needs of landmine and ERW victims are met, and survivors are fully integrated as equal members of their societies.

This year's theme for the International Day of Mine Awareness, "More than Mines", aptly reminds us that while Mine Action is aimed at improving the welfare of people and societies, it also includes the grave risks taken by humanitarians and development agencies.

As the UN Secretary General in his message notes, "More than Mines reflects the reality faced by civilians, humanitarians, peacekeepers and development agencies in war-zones and countries recovering from conflict. When explosive hazards block the way, food is not delivered; refugees and internally displaced people cannot safely return home; children cannot go to school; trade is disrupted; development and peacebuilding efforts are hindered; peacekeeping operations cannot deploy safely".

Since the launch of the National Mine Action Programme (NMAP) in 2002, the UN has been providing critical enabling support to the Mine Action sector in Sri Lanka. This support, together with the dedication and commitment of all partners involved, has helped ensure a relatively fast process of mine clearance, with remarkably few casualties.

SIn 2010, one of the longstanding goals of UNDP's partnership was achieved with the establishment of the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC). This was an important milestone since the NMAC was a key step in enabling the Government to assume full ownership over the enforcement and monitoring of mine-action policies, and management of the mine action sector.

Lastly, special recognition must be given to the many brave demining colleagues, who have put their lives on the line on a daily basis to reduce the menace of mines and ERW in Sri Lanka. These colleagueshave worked with the different organisations involved in surveying and clearance activities over the years, including the Sri Lankan Army Humanitarian Deming Unit, and national and international demining organisations. Alarge number of colleagues are women, who risk their lives in mine clearance activities, and play a vital role in teaching people how to live safely in contaminated areas, in assisting victims, in rebuilding communities, and in amplifying the economic and social benefits of mine clearance work.

This year, in line with the theme 'More than Mines', we recognize their honourable work, while reflecting on our collective efforts, with the Government of Sri Lanka, in strengthening national capacities, educating communities - especially children and women - onmine risks, and jointly moving towards a Mine Free Sri Lanka.

In conclusion, I must note that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the UN, and also marks the 60th anniversary since Sri Lanka joined the UN system as a member state. During the last 60 years, Sri Lanka has contributed immensely to the UN system through both its people and policies that have influenced global thought leadership. Mine Action is yet another area that the Government of Sri Lanka and its partners have shown positive progress, and Sri Lanka should indeed be proud of the achievements.

As a country emerging from conflict, Sri Lanka is not alone in facing the tremendous challenge of mine clearance. The UN currently has mine action programmes in 40 countries and three territories across the world, supporting Governments in building nations free of such threat.

While the UN has supported the Government of Sri Lanka to participate in international platforms to share its Mine Action sector developments, progress, and lessons learned, I hope we find a way to continue this and celebrate Sri Lanka's exemplary Mine Action achievements.

As we mark the near completion of mine clearance in Sri Lanka, and mark the 10thInternational Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, let me reiterate the UN's continued support to the Government of Sri Lanka in working towards a world free of the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war. My sincere hope is that this vision, shared by the United Nations, will soon be a reality forSri Lanka.

The Mine Action Sector in Sri Lanka has been supported over the years by: Government - The National Steering Committee for Mine Action (NSCMA) and the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC). United Nations - UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Local partners for demining operations - Sri Lanka Army-Humanitarian Demining Unit, Devlon Assistance for Social Harmony (DASH), and MilindaMoragoda Institute of People's Empowerment (MMIPE).International partners for demining operations - Danish Demining Group (DDG), Foundation Suisse de Deminage (FSD), HALO Trust, HORIZON, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and Sarvatra. MRE and Victim Assistance Partners - Community and Trust Fund (CTF), EHED - Caritas, Rural Development Foundation (RDF), Sarvodaya, Social Organization for Development (SOND), Handicap International, Caritas Valvuthyam, and Motivation.

Donors - European Union, Governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, and the UN Peace Building Fund and UNDP's (former) Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery.

The writer is the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka