Clearing the Path to Peace: The Role of Mine Action in Peacebuilding

The legacy of conflict, particularly landmines and explosive ordnance, presents a significant barrier to sustainable peace. Beyond the humanitarian toll, these weapons actively obstruct post-conflict recovery, prevent the safe return of communities, and undermine the foundations of stable societies. Addressing this contamination is both a humanitarian imperative and a fundamental prerequisite for building lasting peace.

This panel explores mine action as a critical catalyst for peacebuilding. It will delve into how Explosive Ordnance Risk Reduction (EORR) has been integrated into peace agreements, exploring their often-underestimated role in moving societies from conflict to cooperation and serving as a tangible peace dividend for affected communities.

Experts from mine action and peacebuilding will discuss how mine action’s impact extends beyond clearing land; it is a cornerstone for enabling development, reinforcing governance, and solidifying fragile peace processes. The discussion will emphasize how this practical work fosters community trust and reconciliation, facilitates safe returns, and strengthens disarmament efforts, making it an indispensable element of any comprehensive peace strategy.