What is Mine Action?
Mine action includes any activity which aims to reduce the social, economic and environmental impact of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Mine action is not just about demining; it is also about people and societies, and how they are affected by landmine contamination.
The objective of mine action is to reduce the risk from landmines to a level where people can live safely; in which economic, social and health development can occur free from the constraints imposed by landmine contamination; and in which the victims’ needs can be addressed.
Accordingly, mine action comprises five complementary groups of activities:
- mine risk education;
- humanitarian demining: i.e. mine and UXO surveying, mapping, marking and (if necessary) clearance;
- victim assistance, including rehabilitation and reintegration;
- stockpile destruction; and
- advocacy against the use of anti-personnel mines.
A number of other enabling activities are required to support these five components of mine action, including assessment and planning, the mobilisation and prioritisation of resources, information management, human skills development and management training, quality management and the application of effective, appropriate and safe equipment.
Source: Geneva International Centre for Humanitariab Demining at www.gichd.org