Japan
Support for Mine Action
In 2017, Japan contributed ¥3.6 billion (US$32.5 million) in mine action funding to 18 countries, as well as to global activities.[1] The largest contribution went to Cambodia, receiving more than ¥1.7 billion ($16.5 million) and representing 40% of Japan’s total funding.
Japan reported contributing ¥1.1 billion ($9.4 million)—or 23% of its total mine action funding—through the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to support mine action projects in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Iraq, South Sudan, Sudan, and Syria, as well as some coordination costs.
In February 2018, Japan reiterated its will to provide “continuous support” to the most heavily mine/explosive remnants of war (ERW)-affected countries, and recognized the importance of providing comprehensive support to victim assistance.[2]
Contributions by recipient: 2017[3]
|
Recipient |
Sector |
Amount (¥) |
Amount ($) |
|
Colombia |
Various |
1,039,716,178 |
9,274,899 |
|
Iraq |
Various |
538,253,195 |
4,801,545 |
|
Afghanistan |
Various |
318,588,088 |
2,841,999 |
|
Sri Lanka |
Clearance |
277,957,891 |
2,479,553 |
|
Lebanon |
Clearance |
187,657,978 |
1,674,023 |
|
Cambodia |
Clearance |
161,112,474 |
1,437,221 |
|
Syria |
Various |
145,730,000 |
1,300,000 |
|
DRC |
Clearance and risk education |
126,660,445 |
1,129,888 |
|
Lao PDR |
Capacity-building and clearance |
118,668,500 |
1,058,595 |
|
South Sudan |
Various |
117,705,000 |
1,050,000 |
|
Sudan |
Various |
112,100,000 |
1,000,000 |
|
Palau |
Clearance |
107,716,105 |
960,893 |
|
Angola |
Clearance |
94,402,661 |
842,129 |
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Clearance |
90,123,580 |
803,957 |
|
Vietnam |
Clearance |
71,336,292 |
636,363 |
|
Zimbabwe |
Clearance |
71,138,324 |
634,597 |
|
Georgia |
Clearance |
44,840,000 |
400,000 |
|
Global (UNMAS) |
Various |
10,536,324 |
93,990 |
|
Ukraine |
Risk education |
4,233,793 |
37,768 |
|
Total |
3,638,476,782 |
32,457,420 |
From 2013–2017, Japan contributed ¥19.2 billion ($235.5 million) to mine action activities; this is slightly less than its total contribution for the previous five-year period from 2008–2012, when it provided ¥22 billion ($246.9 million).[4]
Since the end of 2012, the decrease in the value of the yen has had a strong impact on the US dollar value of Japan’s contributions, as illustrated in the table below.
Summary of contributions: 2013–2017[5]
|
Year |
Amount (¥) |
% change from previous year (¥) |
Amount (US$) |
% change from previous year (US$) |
|
2017 |
3,638,476,782 |
-18 |
32,457,420 |
-20 |
|
2016 |
4,426,322,473 |
-26 |
40,735,528 |
-17 |
|
2015 |
5,963,052,282 |
+15 |
49,261,068 |
0 |
|
2014 |
5,187,342,588 |
-17 |
49,057,524 |
-23 |
|
2013 |
6,243,644,362 |
+36 |
63,971,766 |
+11 |
|
Total |
19,221,437,769 |
235,483,306 |
[1] Average exchange rate for 2017: ¥112.1=US$1. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 11 January 2018.
[2] Statement of Japan, Third Annual Pledging Conference for the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, Geneva, 27 February 2018.
[3] Mine Ban Treaty Article 7 Report, Form J, 30 April 2017.
[4] See, Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, “Country Profile: Japan: Support for Mine Action,” 30 October 2013.
[5] See previous Monitor reports.