The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is marked on every 4thApril, highlighting the importance of action on mines in saving lives, protecting people, and enabling development in affected areas. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the presence of landmines continues to threaten the safety of citizens, hinder economic progress, and displace people from afflicted areas.
Mine action is crucial not only for saving lives and creating a safer environment for communities but also for fostering economic stability and recovery in affected areas. By clearing landmines and other unexploded ordnance, communities are able to reclaim vital land for agriculture, infrastructure, and development, helping to rebuild lives and livelihoods. It is also an essential element in tackling other crises and disasters, as the presence of landmines can often hinder the work of services such as mountain rescue teams or firefighters.
“A mine-free Bosnia and Herzegovina is not only a matter of safety. It is a matter of building a future where development can thrive, communities can heal, and the legacy of war can be left behind. The EU remains fully committed to supporting BiH in achieving the goal of a mine-free BiH” stated the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH Luigi Soreca.
Since 1996, the European Union has been a dedicated partner to BiH for mine action and one of the largest international donors, contributing more than 46 million euros to support various pillars of mine action, such as mine clearance, victim assistance, capacity building, and mine risk education. This has also included empowering mine victims and their families through the provision of business trainings and employment opportunities. Additionally, a mobile app was developed “BiH Mine Suspected Areas”, which provides valuable information to services, citizens and visitors that is needed to identify the mine suspected areas and avoid risks.
Currently, there is one ongoing project worth 10 million euros directed for demining actions as well as the procurement of much-needed equipment for the BiH Mine Action Centre and for civil protection demining teams in the Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska. Additionally, to support the BiH Armed Forces’ mine action capabilities, the EU provided 10 million euros in funding through an Assistance Measure under the European Peace Facility, including vital equipment such as metal detectors, and medical and transport vehicles that will enhance the ability to clear mines more efficiently and safely.
The EUFOR Althea Mission also supports the BiH mine action sector through monitoring and mentoring about mine action to ensure expertise and tools necessary to tackle the ongoing threat of mines and unexploded ordnance, as well as to provide mine risk education for the citizens.
Through these comprehensive efforts, the EU is dedicated to help BiH move closer to the goal of becoming a mine-free country, promoting long-term capacity and resilience in the demining sector, and fostering a safer, more prosperous future for all.
