Mines Advisory Group

Mines Advisory Group

At a glance

Causes

  • Human rights

Other details

Organisation type: 
Charity
Geographical remit: 
International

Objectives

We find and destroy landmines, cluster munitions and unexploded bombs in places affected by conflict. We also work to reduce the threat of armed violence and the impact of weapons on communities. Since 1989, we have helped over 20 million people in 70 countries.

Activities

Landmines and unexploded bombs can remain in the ground for decades after a conflict has ended. Every day, 15 people are killed or injured by these indiscriminate weapons. Almost half of civilian casualties are children.

MAG finds and clears landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded bombs and returns safe land to communities, enabling them to build a safer and more sustainable future.

Our community liaison staff are the eyes and ears of MAG. They go into communities to find out the extent of landmines and other unexploded bombs, and how they are affecting people’s lives. This enables MAG to better target our resources to the areas of greatest need.

Our teams also inform communities about planned demining activities, and the exact locations of marked or cleared areas. They then follow up afterwards to ensure that all of a community's requirements are met.

In the late-1990s, MAG was the first organisation to carry out community liaison, and it is now seen as integral in combating the threat of landmines and unexploded bombs.

The past decade has seen an increase in the intensity and impact of conflict and violence on civilians globally. The uncontrolled spread and availability of small arms (guns) and munitions prolongs conflict and increases this impact. Small arms and ammunition are regularly stolen and trafficked across porous borders and traded on the illicit market, fuelling more armed violence against civilians.  

Weapons and ammunition are often stored in or near built-up areas. If there is an unplanned explosion the consequences can be devastating, causing mass death and injury, as well as destroying homes, schools and community infrastructure.

Improving the quality of storage facilities and destroying obsolete weapons and ammunition removes the chance of accidents and harm. It also supports sustainable development and enables a greater opportunity for sustainable peace.

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