By: Peace Journalism

Date: 26 Feb 2007

Conor Lenihan TD, Minister of State for Irish Aid and Human Rights, today announced new support for mine clearance in Afghanistan, Angola and Somalia - some of the most heavily mined countries in the world. In Afghanistan up to 640,000 mines have been laid since 1979. In making the announcement Minister Lenihan stated:

"Every year, tens of thousands of people are killed or injured by landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Those that survive are often disabled for life and need long-term care, not only rehabilitation but also social and economic support.

"Our support for HALO Trust - a key partner in the battle against land mines – will save lives and rehabilitate communities. Their work allows communities, who have come through conflict, to safely reclaim their land and livelihoods."

This year Irish Aid will provide over € 1.7 million to support mine clearance in Afghanistan, Angola and Somalia. This support will provide training to local communities in the removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and mines.

HALO Trust has 7,000 mine clearers in 10 countries. Since 2000, Ireland has provided over € 8 million to the organisation for its life saving activities in Cambodia, Kosovo, Angola, Eritrea, Somalia and Afghanistan.

Note to editors:

Since 1988, HALO Afghanistan has cleared over 5 million items of UXO and mines. Between March 2002 and December 2005 over 3.5 million refugees returned the area which had been Northern Alliance/Taliban front lines in the Shomali Valley, the Andarab Valley and between Kunduz and Taloqanand. HALO's work in surveying the area, and undertaking demining and ordnance disposal have been vital to ensure their safe return.

In Somaliland mine risk education teams work together with local liaison officers to encourage the hand-over of stored ammunition and mines and to ensure safer practices by rural communities which will reduce death and injury by landmines.

Thirty years of conflict in Angola have left a complex spread of mines and unexploded ordnance across parts of the country. Peace since 2002 has enabled 3.8 million displaced Angolans to return home, however mines and unexploded ordnance remain in many areas of return, where they pose an immediate threat to the local population.

Source: Government of Ireland