PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
UN: UN Mine Action Service appeals for US$296 million for de-mining work
New York, US (PANA) - The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) says it needs US$296 million to carry on with its work in 2015, and ensure that the threat of landmines to people living in areas ravaged by wars and other conflicts are addressed.
A UN statement obtained by PANA in New York on Sunday said UNMAS has identified 23
countries and territories which require its help urgently with 175 ongoing projects.
It quoted UNMAS director, Ms. Agnes Marcaillou, as stating that countries which were affected by conflicts can only become mine-free, with continued international support, noting that, mine clearance takes time and money, stressing the need for more global efforts against the deadly ordnance, in order to save lives in time of peace.
She said: "This year’s Portfolio presents an overall funding requirement of US$296 million, of which only US$57 million, or 20 per cent has been secured to date, and the country with the largest needs remains Afghanistan, with over US$80 million needed for 2015, of which only US$20m has been secured to date."
She disclosed that the area of work with the highest needs is the clearance of landmines and other explosive remnants of war, with a current shortfall of US$108 million globally.
Ms. Marcaillous said the Portfolio is coordinated by the UNMAS and represents an extensive effort by UN entities to organise and consolidate the mine action requirements of affected countries and territories in support of donor coherence.
"Some 60 states and four other areas were confirmed to be affected by mines and, or cluster munitions as of October 2014. A further six states have either suspected or residual mine contamination.
"A total of 23 countries and territories submitted Portfolios to the United Nations comprising 175 projects addressing national priorities," she stated.
Ms. Marcaillou, who is also Chair of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action, said: "The Portfolio provides donors with a reliable tool for responding to the needs of affected communities in a way that maximises coherence and impact of funding, as well as providing real-time updates on funding received."
She also added that "it provides a powerful illustration of the United Nations support to affected countries and partnership with the donor community."
UNMAS manages and reduces the threat of explosive hazards & Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), weapons and other ammunition.
It collaborates with 14 other UN departments, agencies, programmes and funds to ensure an effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problems of landmines and explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions.
-0- PANA AA/VAO 1March2015
A UN statement obtained by PANA in New York on Sunday said UNMAS has identified 23
countries and territories which require its help urgently with 175 ongoing projects.
It quoted UNMAS director, Ms. Agnes Marcaillou, as stating that countries which were affected by conflicts can only become mine-free, with continued international support, noting that, mine clearance takes time and money, stressing the need for more global efforts against the deadly ordnance, in order to save lives in time of peace.
She said: "This year’s Portfolio presents an overall funding requirement of US$296 million, of which only US$57 million, or 20 per cent has been secured to date, and the country with the largest needs remains Afghanistan, with over US$80 million needed for 2015, of which only US$20m has been secured to date."
She disclosed that the area of work with the highest needs is the clearance of landmines and other explosive remnants of war, with a current shortfall of US$108 million globally.
Ms. Marcaillous said the Portfolio is coordinated by the UNMAS and represents an extensive effort by UN entities to organise and consolidate the mine action requirements of affected countries and territories in support of donor coherence.
"Some 60 states and four other areas were confirmed to be affected by mines and, or cluster munitions as of October 2014. A further six states have either suspected or residual mine contamination.
"A total of 23 countries and territories submitted Portfolios to the United Nations comprising 175 projects addressing national priorities," she stated.
Ms. Marcaillou, who is also Chair of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action, said: "The Portfolio provides donors with a reliable tool for responding to the needs of affected communities in a way that maximises coherence and impact of funding, as well as providing real-time updates on funding received."
She also added that "it provides a powerful illustration of the United Nations support to affected countries and partnership with the donor community."
UNMAS manages and reduces the threat of explosive hazards & Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), weapons and other ammunition.
It collaborates with 14 other UN departments, agencies, programmes and funds to ensure an effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problems of landmines and explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions.
-0- PANA AA/VAO 1March2015
