In 2021, the Kingdom of Norway contributed approximately NOK305.2 million (US$35.5 million) in mine action funding to 18 affected states (12 States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty and six states not party), one other area, and to several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and institutions for global activities.[1]

As in 2017–2020, Norway’s largest contribution went to Iraq (20%) for clearance, risk education, and victim assistance.

Norway allocated 80% of its mine action support in 2021 ($28.3 million) for clearance and risk education activities in 17 affected states and one other area. Norway contributed $756,210 to victim assistance in three countries (Afghanistan, Colombia, and Lao PDR), representing about 2% of its support. A further $6.4 million, or 18% of Norway’s total contribution, went to “various” activities which could not be disaggregated by sector, or to global advocacy activities.

Contributions by recipient: 2021[2]

Mine action assistance approach

Mine action is one of the key areas for action included in Norway’s Humanitarian Strategy 2019–2023, in which clearance is defined as “a concrete, effective way” to support the return of displaced populations and to promote socio-economic development.[3]

Norway indicated that it was looking to implement a multi-annual funding agreement from 2022 onward, and develop more country coalitions as a way to effectively engage national authorities.[4]

In February 2018, Norway indicated that it would continue to give priority to countries demonstrating strong national ownership and clear progress toward completion.[5]

In February 2016, Norway and the United States (US) launched the Global Demining Initiative for Colombia, to mobilize additional funding to support demining efforts. As part of this initiative, Norway announced a pledge of $22 million for 2017–2019.[6] During that period, Colombia was the second-largest recipient of Norway’s mine action assistance, with a total of nearly $20 million received.

Five-year support to mine action

From 2017–2021, Norway provided more than $202 million in support to mine action activities, with an average annual contribution of $40.6 million. This represents a 5% increase from the $193.8 million provided during the previous five-year period, from 2012–2016. In its national currency, this represented an increase of NOK466 million (36%) on the NOK1.3 billion provided during the previous five-year period.

Summary of contributions: 2017–2021[7]

Note: N/A=not applicable.