In 2021, the Swiss Confederation contributed CHF13.9 million (US$15.2 million)[1] in mine action funding to eight countries and one other area, as well as to the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), the Implementation Support Units (ISUs) of the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Mine Ban Treaty, and other non-government organizations (NGOs). The largest contribution went to GICHD, which received more than three-fifths (69%) of Switzerland’s total contribution for the year.[2]

In addition to financial support, Switzerland provided in-kind assistance valued at CHF2.8 million ($3.1 million) through the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), and the Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). This in-kind assistance supported mine action operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mali, South Sudan, and Sudan, as well as in Western Sahara, and other global activities at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York and Geneva.[3]

Contributions by recipient: 2021[4]

Mine action assistance approach

In February 2022, Switzerland adopted its first ever arms control and disarmament strategy, covering 2022–2025. In this strategy, mine action is integrated under the priority area to address challenges related to conventional weapons.[5] As part of its efforts to reduce the negative impact of such weapons on civilians, Switzerland plans to develop a new mine action strategic plan for 2023­–2026.[6]

Switzerland reported that it is contributing to mine action activities linked to peace processes and development goals, and which followed an “integrated approach, combining clearance, mine risk education, and victim assistance.”[7]

In September 2016, Switzerland released its Mine Action Strategic Plan 2016–2019, which was subsequently extended until 2022.[8] The plan reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

The 2016–2022 plan focuses on contributing to universalization and ensuring compliance with the norms of the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. It includes a focus on mine action activities within peace and sustainable development processes, and on strengthening national capacity and ownership in affected countries.[9] Switzerland also indicated in the strategic plan that its contribution to victim assistance would follow a “dual approach,” through specific victim assistance efforts and development, human rights, and humanitarian initiatives.[10]

In releasing its strategy, Switzerland stated that it expected to contribute between CHF16 million ($16.5 million) and CHF18 million ($18.6 million) each year.[11] The totals include both financial and in-kind contributions.

COVID-19 and mine action support

In 2020, in response to disruption to mine action operations, Switzerland reported that its partners were allowed to deploy resources toward national COVID-19 response efforts or could extend the duration of projects.[12]

Five-year support to mine action

From 2018–2021, Switzerland consistently contributed approximately CHF14 million each year. Switzerland provided a total of CHF77million ($79.9 million) in mine action support in 2017–2021, with the majority of its funding going to GICHD. This is slightly below the level recorded in the previous five-year period from 2012–2016, when Switzerland contributed CHF86 million ($91.1 million).

Summary of contributions: 2017–2021[13]

Note: N/A=not applicable.