UNMAS 2018 Annual Report

Authors

UNMAS, United Nations Mine Action Centre

Document Type

Other

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Publication Date

1-2019

Keywords

Centers and Organizations, UNMAS, 2018, Annual Report

Abstract

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works in 18 countries and territories on four continents, helping affected communities, Member States, United Nations entities and partners to reduce the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war, improvised explosive devices and unplanned explosions or looting of conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. This annual report provides an overview of the achievements of UNMAS in 2018. Its impact continues to be critical, concrete and broad. In post-conflict situations, mine action is an essential foundation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Mine action makes it possible for displaced persons and refugees to return home safely. It enables markets and essential infrastructure to reopen. And it means young people can return to school and families can reoccupy homes and revive livelihoods. In 2018, UNMAS coordinated with 12 United Nations entities to develop the United Nations Mine Action Strategy 2019-2023. The Strategy is practical, needs-driven, people-centred and resource-efficient. It establishes a shared vision and mission, provides an accountability framework and outlines a rigorous monitoring and evaluation approach for reviewing and reporting on progress. It is an important guide to United Nations mine action in the coming years. I commend this report to all relevant stakeholders, and I take this opportunity to thank donors for their unwavering support. I also express my appreciation to UNMAS colleagues who continue to demonstrate commitment in the face of challenging and at times dangerous work. Peace can only be sustained once explosive hazards and unexploded munitions are disposed of or secured.