In 2022, Germany provided €74.8 million (US$78.8 million) in mine action funding to 13 countries, as well as to global activities.[1] Germany’s mine action funding in 2022 increased by 37% when expressed in Euro terms (or 22% in US dollar terms) compared to 2021, when its contribution amounted to €54.8 million ($64.8 million). In 2022, Germany was the third largest donor to mine action, behind the United States (US) and the European Union (EU).

The largest contributions went to Iraq ($15.8 million) and Yemen ($14.3 million), representing almost 40% of Germany’s total contribution for 2022. Most of Germany’s contribution (84% of the total) was provided through international non-profit organizations including the Danish Refugee Council, the HALO Trust, Humanity & Inclusion (HI), Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA).

Contributions by recipient: 2022[2]

Mine action assistance approach

In April 2022, Germany published a revised humanitarian mine action strategy, covering 2022–2023. The strategy outlined the key priorities of its assistance, with clearance remaining “the focus of engagement to reduce the negative humanitarian impact of mine[s] and ERW [explosive remnants of war].”[3] The strategy identified Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Cambodia, Colombia, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Ukraine as priority countries in need of support.[4] These countries were selected by Germany based on humanitarian needs, international treaty obligations, national ownership, and effectiveness and efficiency of the mine action program.[5]

According to the 2022 strategy, Germany seeks to achieve four objectives through its mine action funding: reduce the threat posed by landmines and ERW; reduce vulnerability and improve resilience through risk education and victim assistance; enhance advocacy and promote the universalization of relevant international norms; and develop and implement innovative methods, standards, and tools for more effective humanitarian mine action.[6]

Five-year support to mine action

From 2018–2022, Germany contributed €247.7 million ($279.1 million) to mine action. In comparison, during the previous five-year period from 2013–2017, its support totaled €151.9 million ($176.5 million). In US dollar terms, this represents a 58% increase in contributions from the previous five-year period.

Summary of contributions: 2018–2022[7]

Note: N/A=not applicable.

National contribution

Germany has been funding clearance of cluster munition remnants from a former military training area in Wittstock, spending a total of €89.1 million ($93.9 million) since 2017. During 2022, Germany provided €32.1 million ($33.8 million) to support clearance in Wittstock.[8]