(Mogadishu, 24 March 2016) The Government of Japan has renewed its commitment to promote human security and stability in Somalia by donating US$2,4 million to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to address the humanitarian impact of explosive hazards in the country.
The contribution will enable UNMAS to continue its support to the Somali Police Force to develop an operationally independent and national Explosive Ordnance Disposal capacity. In addition, this contribution will support a community-based survey, marking and clearance project in remote rural areas contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war.
The community-based explosive hazards clearance project will benefit communities living and working in such rural areas, especially youth and women who will be employed and trained as part of the clearance initiative. The Government of Japan’s donation will also support the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to mitigate the threat and humanitarian impact of explosive hazards through the Badbaado (“Protection”) Plan, which outlines the international support required to coordinate explosive hazards management over the next two years.
“The safe disposal of explosive devices by the Somali Police Force is a tangible and proactive method to improve human security and the protection of civilians,” said Alan Macdonald, the UNMAS Director in Somalia. “The generous and timely contribution from the Government of Japan will also help to empower affected local communities to safely resume their livelihood activities.”
Japan has provided over US$ 94.6 million to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action in the last six years, enabling the delivery of projects to reduce the threat of explosive hazards to millions of men, women and children across the world.
