In 2019, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) contributed £56.2 million (US$71.7 million)[1] in mine action funding to 17 countries. Compared to 2018, the UK’s funding increased by almost one-quarter, or $13.6 million, in US dollar terms; in national currency terms, it rose by 30%, an increase of £12.7 million.

The largest contribution went to Afghanistan, which received the equivalent of more than $18 million, representing one-quarter of the UK’s total mine action funding. Cambodia and Lao PDR received the second and third largest contributions, each receiving more than $5 million.

Contributions by recipient: 2019[2]

In 2015–2019, the UK’s cumulative contribution to mine action totaled £148.9 million (approximately $197 million). In comparison, in the previous five-year period from 2010–2014, the UK’s support to mine action amounted to £58.2 million ($92.2 million).

In September 2018, the UK announced the provision of an additional £46 million (some $58 million) towards projects for demining, risk education, and capacity development in Angola, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, and Vietnam.[3]

In April 2017, the UK announced a £100 million ($126 million) aid package to support landmine clearance and risk education projects over the next three years, which represents a tripling in its contribution to mine action[4] compared to its 2014–2016 contribution of £36.4 million ($53.4 million). This new funding would focus on countries “where the greatest numbers of people continue to suffer from landmine contamination…and where continued insecurity and instability pose an ongoing threat to UK interests.” The countries to benefit from this support were: Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe.[5]

Summary of contributions: 2015–2019[6]

Note: N/A=not applicable.