AAM Mine Action Partners

In 1998, Adopt-A-Minefield and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) formally agreed to work together to address the landmine crisis in several of the most heavily affected countries. UNDP is a recognized global authority on both short-term landmine crisis response and longer-term development and support of national mine action programs and international mine action standards.

The AAM/UNDP partnership is straightforward and effective. AAM raises funds from individuals, community groups and businesses to adopt minefields or support survivor assistance programs in one of six mine-affected countries.  UNDP works with national and local authorities in these countries to identify minefields in urgent need of clearance. AAM forwards sponsor funds to UNDP, which ensures that the funds are used to clear those minefields selected by adoptors and that mine clearance operations are carried out according to international standards.

For more information about the organizations that implement AAM mine clearance and survivor assistance programs on the ground, in cooperation with the UN, please see our mine clearance partners and survivor assistance partners pages.

A Who’s Who of UN Mine Action

Because landmines affect a wide range of the UN’s humanitarian, peacekeeping and development efforts, nearly a dozen different UN entities are involved in some aspect of mine action.  The four most prominent agencies that undertake field operations are the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

• United Nations Mine Action Service: UNMAS is the focal point within the UN system for all mine-related activities.   At the global level, it is responsible for the overall coordination of UN mine action. At the field level, UNMAS sets up short-term mine action programs immediately post-conflict.
• United Nations Development Programme: UNDP addresses the long-term socioeconomic consequences of landmine contamination.   It supports the development of local and national mine action capacities, ensuring that landmines and unexploded ordnance do not block post-conflict reconstruction and long-term development efforts.
• United Nations Children’s Fund: UNICEF oversees mine risk education (MRE) programs.   It also provides important MRE guidance to field partners, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and other NGOs.
• United Nations Office for Project Services: UNOPS is a principal provider of mine action services within the UN system all key UN mine action agencies, including UNMAS, UNDP and UNICEF. 

The following UN entities also have a mine action role:

• United Nations Department for Disarmament Affairs: Assists Secretary-General in carrying out his Mine Ban Treaty-based obligations.
• Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: Supplies information on humanitarian implications of the landmine problem.
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: Supports mine risk education and other mine-related issues affecting refugees and displaced persons.
• World Food Programme: Initiates clearance of landmines blocking emergency food delivery.
• Food and Agricultural Organization: Addresses landmine impact on agricultural relief projects.
• World Health Organization: Sponsors action on health-related issues in mine-affected communities.
• World Bank: Mobilizes international resources to support mine action for long-term development and reconstruction projects.

For more information about the UN’s role in mine action, visit the UN website devoted to this issue: www.mineaction.org or contact Adopt-A-Minefield at info@landmines.org.   The United Nations Mine Action Service has developed an interactive CD-ROM called “Landmines: The World Takes Action,” which can be ordered through Adopt-A-Minefield.