Mine Action Weekly, 9 - 15 March 2026
- Markus Schindler
- Mar 16
- 17 min read
Updated: May 4
A warm welcome to the latest edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter - your go-to source for the most important global updates from the mine action sector. Read about the latest news on EO contamination & clearance, EORE, accidents and victim assistance, advocacy efforts, stockpile destruction, mine action innovation & technology, and assistance, cooperation & funding - right here, every Monday. Dive right in and stay up-to-date!
Disclaimers:
This newsletter features news reports and articles from a variety of sources. Mention of these resources does not indicate agreement with or endorsement of the opinions of others. I do not claim responsibility or credit for these works, and do not vouch for the information contained in them.
This newsletter is created and managed in a personal capacity, independent of my professional affiliation with Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD).
🗞️ Weekly News Roundup
The weekly news roundup showcases a low-down of the top mine action news and insights from the past seven days.
1. EO Contamination, Clearance & Land Release
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Clears Nearly 1,200 Hectares of Mines in a Week
According to a weekly update from the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), 15 anti-tank mines, 8 anti-personnel mines, and 743 pieces of unexploded ordnance were discovered and neutralised in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories between 2 and 9 March. During this period, a total of 1,191 hectares were cleared of mines.
🇰🇭 Cambodia: A Safer Harvest, New Economic Opportunities
Landmine clearance in Battambang, Cambodia, enabled farmers to safely cultivate previously contaminated land. Through the Clearing for Results Phase IV project, over 182 km² of hazardous land was released, benefiting 364,000 people. Safer farmland increased crop production, incomes, and educational opportunities, transforming livelihoods and creating new economic prospects for rural families.
Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), reaffirmed that Cambodia has set a clear goal to eliminate the impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
🇰🇭 🇺🇸 Cambodia: US Team Reviews Demining Aid Results
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and a delegation from the United States have visited a demining site in Oddar Meanchey province to review the implementation of a $4 million grant provided in February.
🇭🇷 Croatia becomes latest landmine-free country
MAG (Mines Advisory Group) welcomes the news that Croatia has officially declared itself free of landmines, marking a historic milestone over three decades after the end of the War of Independence (1991–1995). Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, the conflict left widespread contamination from landmines and other explosive remnants of war across the country. At one point, an estimated 13,000 km2 of land was suspected to be affected.
🇮🇱 Israel: Ondas Defense Pivot Gains Traction With Demining Contract Merger And AI Deal
Ondas Inc. secured a $15.8 million initial order under a multi-year autonomous demining programme along the Israel–Syria border, potentially worth over $30 million. The project will use drones, robotics, and sensor-based systems to detect and clear mines. The contract signals growing demand for technology-driven mine clearance and supports Ondas’ defense-focused expansion.
🇯🇵 🇮🇷 🌊 Japan declines to deploy ships for Strait of Hormuz mine clearance
Japan announced it will not deploy Self-Defence Force ships for mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, citing constitutional limits on participation in military operations during an active conflict. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said such involvement could be interpreted as the use of force, which Japan’s constitution restricts.
Military columns have regained control of Tagaung, which had been temporarily held by People’s Defense Force (PDF) groups, and are currently carrying out mine clearance and rehabilitation operations, according to official reports.
🇸🇾 Syria: Mine-clearing operations advance in al-Shuyoukh town in eastern Aleppo
Engineering teams from the Internal Security Forces in the town of Al Shuyoukh in the eastern Aleppo countryside continue operations to remove landmines, seal tunnels, and reopen roads in order to restore safe movement and prepare the area for the return of displaced residents.
🇸🇾 Syria: UXO Challenge in Syria and Awareness Campaign
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains one of the most serious barriers to the safe return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced families. According to the Landmine Monitor 2025, Syria is now the second most dangerous country in the world for UXO-related accidents. Years of conflict have left vast areas contaminated with explosive remnants of war, posing daily threats to civilians, and restricting humanitarian access.
Syrian civilians identify landmines and unexploded ordnance as major barriers to safe return, farming, and rebuilding after years of conflict. Communities report that contaminated land, homes, and infrastructure prevent recovery. Expanding survey, clearance, and risk education is seen as essential to enable humanitarian access, restore livelihoods, and support safe reconstruction.
🇺🇦 Ukraine: The average cost of demining agricultural land under the state programme is rising
Ukraine’s state programme for clearing mines from agricultural land is becoming more expensive, with the average cost reaching about UAH 67,200 per hectare in February, the highest recorded so far. The increase reflects complex contamination and technical demands, highlighting the growing financial burden of restoring farmland affected by mines and unexploded ordnance.
🇺🇦 🇷🇺 Ukraine: Unexploded grenade found inside body of fallen Ukrainian soldier returned from Russia
Doctors in Ukraine were left stunned when an unexploded grenade was found inside the body of a fallen soldier – recently returned by Russia - during an autopsy. The unexpected incident, which occurred around three weeks ago, prompted the emergency evacuation of the morgue in the city of Chernivtsi.
🇺🇦 Ukraine: A new deminers’ rotation has started at UDS
Deminers from the UDS humanitarian demining departments “Center”, “East”, and “South” have begun a new working rotation that will last until 4 April inclusive and will run without days off. During this period, demining teams will be working simultaneously at several key sites across different regions of Ukraine, carrying out tasks to clear territories of explosive hazards.
🇬🇧 🇮🇷 🌊 United Kingdom: Iran: 'Turning point' for Royal Navy as Strait of Hormuz mine clearance put under spotlight amid HMS Dragon op
Royal Navy mine-countermeasure specialists are preparing to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open after Iran reportedly deployed naval mines during escalating tensions. Clearing mines is essential to protect shipping through the vital oil route. Minehunting vessels, autonomous systems, and allied naval cooperation are expected to support detection and removal operations.
🇺🇸 🇮🇷 🌊 United States: Trump Warns of Possible Iranian Mines in the Strait of Hormuz, Threatens Unprecedented Response
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of an “unprecedented” military response if it deploys naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Intelligence reports suggested Iran might lay dozens of mines. Trump demanded any mines be removed immediately, warning severe consequences if shipping or energy flows are threatened.
🇻🇳 Vietnam destroys 27 unexploded bombs in operation backed by Norway
A total of 27 pieces of unexploded wartime ordnance were safely destroyed in central Vietnam on 10 March. The operation was carried out by the Vietnam National Mine Action Center (VNMAC) together with the provincial military command in Quang Ngai Province. The work was supported by the humanitarian organisation Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp as part of an ongoing mine action project in the province.
🇾🇪 Yemen: KSrelief Masam project clears 1,263 landmines from Yemen in one week
KSrelief’s Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen removed 1,263 mines in the first week of March. The Masam team removed two pieces of unexploded ordnance in Al-Khokha district in Hodeidah governorate; three anti-personnel mines and 875 pieces unexploded ordnance in Mukalla district in Hadramout governorate; and 33 anti-tank mines and 350 pieces of unexploded ordnance in Marib governorate.
Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen announced that it destroyed 926 landmines and war remnants, in cooperation with the Executive Mine Action Center, Mukalla branch.
🌍 An update from MAG teams in the Middle East
Conflict escalation across the Middle East is increasing civilian exposure to landmines, unexploded ordnance, and missile debris. MAG (Mines Advisory Group) teams in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories are delivering risk education and preparing clearance operations. As soon as conditions permit, teams aim to remove explosive hazards and support displaced communities returning safely.
🌊 Hormuz Strait tensions: How navies detect and clear marine mines
Naval mines threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where even a small number can disrupt global oil trade. Navies detect mines using specialised mine-countermeasure ships and side-scan sonar to image the seabed. Clearance may involve divers, remotely operated vehicles, and drones that locate, trigger, or destroy mines safely.
Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:
🇧🇪 Belgium: Bomb disposal unit begins removal of WWII sea mines off the coast of Wenduine. Read more
🇰🇭 Cambodian Wildfire near Trat Border Triggers Landmine Explosions. Read more
🇩🇪 Germany: British bomb found in Dresden forces massive evacuation of 18,000 residents. Read more
🇭🇰 Hong Kong: Police deal with hand grenade found in Happy Valley. Read more
🇮🇳 India: Forest Fire Triggers Landmine Blasts Along LoC in Poonch. Read more
🇮🇷 Iran: Unexploded missile extracted from house in western Iran. Read more
🇰🇼 Kuwait: National Guard safely destroys drone warhead found in fuel tank. Read more
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: RAF Lossiemouth bomb scare ends after ‘controlled explosion’. Read more
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Beach closed by police after unexploded bomb found. Read more
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Bomb squad called in to deal with unexploded World War II shells near Rugby homes. Read more
2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
🇮🇱 Israel: Former fire chief warns of dangers of Iranian cluster bombs, how to stay safe
Cluster munitions used in Iranian missile barrages pose serious dangers across Israel, as submunitions spread over wide areas and can cause heavy damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. Authorities warn residents not to approach unexploded fragments or interception debris and to report them, as even inert shrapnel can remain hazardous.
Sudan’s army warned residents in White Nile State about unexploded ordnance left in residential areas after Rapid Support Forces drone strikes on Kosti and nearby towns. Authorities urged civilians to report suspicious objects via emergency hotlines while specialised units work to secure affected areas and protect the public from dangerous unexploded projectiles.
Ukrainian State Emergency Service (DSNS) sappers are clearing mines and unexploded ordnance in liberated territories, including Odesa and Zhytomyr regions, to make communities safe for returning residents. Authorities urge civilians to avoid suspicious objects and immediately call emergency services. Demining is essential for reconstruction, restoring infrastructure, and enabling displaced people to safely return home.
3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan: MFA: 72 Azerbaijanis killed by landmines since 2020
Since the end of the 2020 war, a total of 419 Azerbaijani citizens have become victims of landmines, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Republic of Azerbaijan reported. Among the victims, 72 people have been killed and 347 others have sustained serious injuries. The ministry highlighted these figures following a recent landmine incident that resulted in a civilian fatality, emphasising that landmines continue to pose a grave threat to peaceful residents.
Cambodia is facing growing challenges in supporting landmine survivors as international funding gradually declines, raising concerns over sustainability of critical rehabilitation services. Despite decades of progress in clearing explosive remnants of war and supporting victims, officials warn that maintaining clearance operations and survivor assistance will depend on stable and timely financial resources.
🇱🇾 Libya: Round Table on Comprehensive Victim Assistance in Libya Strengthens National Coordination
On 12 February 2026, Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehjælp (DRC), in partnership with LibMAC and United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), organised a Round Table on Comprehensive Victim Assistance in Libya, bringing together representatives of national authorities, key ministries, humanitarian partners such as the International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC, UNICEF, The HALO Trust, and donors, including AICS and the Swiss Government. The event aimed to strengthen national coordination, improve referral systems, and promote sustainable and rights-based victim assistance aligned with international standards. Participants discussed challenges and opportunities related to data management, service provision, and long-term system development. The Round Table reaffirmed the importance of strong national ownership and multi-stakeholder collaboration in ensuring effective support for survivors of explosive ordnance. Outcomes will inform future advocacy efforts, capacity development activities, and the work of the Victim Assistance Working Group.
🇲🇲 Myanmar: Rakhine landmine victims need prosthetics and other assistance
Landmine victims in Myanmar’s Rakhine State face severe long-term hardship after explosions cause amputations and disabilities. Survivors, including civilians injured while farming or gathering bamboo, urgently need prosthetic limbs, rehabilitation services, and financial support. Limited medical resources and ongoing conflict leave many victims without adequate care or assistance. Communities struggle.
Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:
🇦🇴 Angola: Lost land mine explodes, kills three children, injures one, in Cubango. Read more
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan: Landmine Blast Kills Civilian in Azerbaijan’s Khojavand. Read more
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan: Shepherd killed in landmine explosion in Fuzuli. Read more
🇧🇩 Bangladesh: Man injured in landmine explosion near Myanmar border in Cox's Bazar. Read more
🇲🇲 Myanmar: Innocent Civilian Injured in Landmine Explosion. Read more
🇲🇲 Myanmar: Children play with RPG bullet, explosion kills one, injures two in Gwa. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Two Syrian soldiers injured during mine-clearing in the Latakia countryside. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: 'Huge' missile explosion from left over Syria war device injures 11 in Syria. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Child killed by landmine explosion in rural Idlib. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Five people killed and injured in explosion of landmine in Deir Ezzor. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Civilian dies in explosion of war remnants in Tel Tamr. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Old ordnance | Commander of engineering teams injured in Jabal Al-Akrad (Mountain). Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Old ordnance | Child was killed and his brother sustained serious injuries in northern Hama countryside. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Civilian killed and other injured in explosion of war remnants in Aleppo. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Two members injured in Latakia countryside and member killed in explosion of landmine in Al-Raqqa. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Landmine blast in southern Syria kills child, wounds father. Read more
🇺🇦 Ukraine: Russian mine kills 66 year old in sumy region. Read more
🇾🇪 Yemen: Three Children Killed and a Fourth Injured by Houthi Landmine Explosion in Northwest Yemen. Read more
4. Advocacy, Policy, Conventions, Strategies and Standards
🇭🇷 Croatia Declares Former Mined Areas Safe Once Again
The Republic of Croatia has announced that it is “mine-free” in fulfilment of its mine clearance obligation acquired as member of the landmark Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention), fulfilling one of the treaty’s core humanitarian commitments: the destruction of all anti-personnel mines in mined areas under its jurisdiction or control. With Croatia, there are now 32 States Parties that have completed this obligation under the Convention, eight (8) of them in Europe.
🇨🇩 🇺🇳 DR Congo: Mine Action in support of the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda - 10th anniversary of the YPS agenda
Marking the 10th anniversary of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) highlighted how mine action supports youth participation in peacebuilding. Explosive hazard clearance, risk education, and victim assistance help create safer environments where young people can engage in recovery, resilience, and community leadership in conflict-affected settings.
🇵🇱 Poland: Mine Ban Policy
Poland was previously a State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and reported destroying large stockpiles of antipersonnel mines while submitting transparency reports on its obligations. In 2025, citing regional security concerns, Poland deposited its withdrawal from the treaty, which took effect in February 2026, ending its legal ban commitments.
🇺🇦 Ukraine Forms a New Architecture of Underwater Demining
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine published materials from the First National Conference on Underwater Demining “Depth of Safety”. The publication became the first systematic summary of Ukraine’s experience in underwater demining and a step toward forming a comprehensive national policy.
5. Stockpile Destruction, Demolition, WAM and Disarmament
6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends
🇰🇭 🇯🇵 Cambodia: Mine-clearing robots arrive in Cambodia to remove UXO
Mine-clearing robots have arrived in Cambodia to assist in removing unexploded ordnance left from recent cross-border fighting, according to officials. The robots were jointly researched and technologically developed through cooperation between CMAC and the Japan’s IOS Co Ltd. Four robotic machines will be deployed to frontline areas to help clear land contaminated by unexploded ordnance and landmines, ensuring greater safety for residents.
🇺🇦 Ukraine: How Drones and AI Are Helping Clear 36,000 Landmines in Ukraine
The HALO Trust is using drones, AI, and geospatial mapping tools to accelerate landmine detection and clearance across heavily contaminated farmland. Drone imagery and machine learning help identify mine locations, prioritise clearance, and guide demining teams. These technologies have already supported the removal of about 36,000 mines, improving safety and restoring agricultural land.
Farm machinery innovator Jon Kinzenbaw and philanthropist Howard Buffett are developing wider, potentially autonomous landmine-clearing rollers for Ukrainian farmland. Existing CAT D-6 bulldozers fitted with rollers already operate in fields to detonate mines safely. The project aims to speed survey and clearance, helping restore agricultural land contaminated during Russia’s invasion.
7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation
🇦🇿 🇨🇳 Azerbaijan explores advanced mine action strategies with China
Azerbaijan’s mine action agency ANAMA visited China to deepen cooperation on humanitarian demining under a bilateral memorandum. Meetings with China’s Foreign Ministry, engineering institutions, and companies explored partnerships and technologies such as mechanical clearance machines, EOD robots, and detection drones to support Azerbaijan’s large-scale mine clearance and post-war reconstruction. Read more here.
🇦🇿 🇨🇴 Azerbaijan, Colombia discuss broadening cooperation in multiple spheres
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister and Colombia’s newly appointed ambassador discussed expanding bilateral cooperation across trade, tourism, education, culture, and demining. The meeting also reviewed plans for future political consultations between the foreign ministries and reaffirmed mutual support on peace, security, and sustainable development issues in international forums.
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) received 30 units of the advanced ALIS (Advanced Landmine Imaging System) mine detectors, valued at more than $1.3 million, as a grant from the Government of Japan.
Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, held talks with the Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, on Friday. Sokhonn is on a visit to New Zealand. He commended New Zealand’s additional assistance of NZD 7.5 million for mine clearance and for its continued support for scholarship programmes.
🇰🇭 🇳🇴 Cambodia: CMAC, NPA sign deal to bolster demining efforts
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday to expand training and technical support for mine detection dogs and explosive ordnance clearance.
🇪🇺 EU countries step up their demining support
On Wednesday 11 March, the ambassadors of the Member States to the European Union (Coreper) approved an EU Council decision in support of building African capacities toward a mine-free Africa.
Nigeria has urged West African and Sahel countries to strengthen collaboration to tackle the growing threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
🇳🇴 Norway: Pledging conference for Mine Action, Geneva
Norway reaffirmed strong support for the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, emphasising survey, clearance, risk education, and victim assistance as priorities. In 2025 it contributed about NOK 530 million to mine action in over 20 countries and pledged NOK 500,000 to support the Convention’s implementation mechanisms and sponsorship programme.
🇺🇦 🇯🇵 Ukraine: State Emergency Service receives Ukrainian-made demining equipment, gear for female sappers from Japan
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) has received another batch of equipment and machinery for humanitarian demining from the government of Japan, with the procurement carried out by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine reported.
🌍 Statement by Ambassador Tobias Privitelli at the Eleventh Annual Pledging Conference for the Implementation of the APMBC
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) Director, Ambassador Tobias Privitelli addressed the 11th Annual Pledging Conference for the Implementation of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Speaking at a moment when the global security environment is deteriorating and pressure on international humanitarian law is increasing, he called on States Parties to match words with action, and ensure stable, predictable funding for the Implementation Support Unit, the only institution formally mandated to support implementation of the Convention.
8. Other News
🇭🇷 🇩🇪 Croatia bulletin refreshed: German travellers reminded of Schengen ID checks and landmine risk
Germany updated travel guidance for Croatia, reminding visitors that landmines remain a hazard in parts of Slavonia, Lika, and the Dalmatian hinterland. Travellers are advised to stay on marked roads, avoid off-track areas, and consult Croatia’s Mine Action Centre maps, as unexploded mines from past conflicts still pose risks.
🇵🇸 🇺🇳 Palestine: Gaza / UNMAS Women's Day
Alya Abu Shawish’s work at the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Gaza goes beyond daily duties—she helps keep colleagues safe in one of the world’s most dangerous environments. This International Women’s Day, her story reflects the resilience of women in Gaza as they navigate life amid the lasting impacts of war. "We are mothers, caregivers, and professionals who continue to support our families and communities despite these hardships," she said.
🇵🇭 Philippines: 26 police K9s retire, open for adoption in Taguig
After years of service, twenty-six K9 heroes are officially set to retire from active duty and begin their well-earned "civilian dog lives." These retired K9 heroes are also open for adoption and seeking loving homes to enjoy their retirement.
🇸🇾 Syria: HALO weapons specialist advises UN Security Council on safe access for chemical weapons inspectors
The HALO Trust’s Regional Director for the Middle East briefed the UN Security Council on the need to clear landmines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices in Syria to enable safe inspections of suspected chemical-weapons sites. HALO called for urgent donor funding, noting that explosive clearance is essential for inspections, reconstruction, and long-term stability.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe: Clearing the field
Odella Madheu joined landmine clearance in Zimbabwe’s Muzarabani District in 2016 and, after a decade of work, became an Assistant Commander with The HALO Trust. Supported by UNDP’s Project RECLAIM, clearance operations remove mines, expand safe farmland, strengthen national mine action institutions, and encourage more women to enter and lead demining.
🎥 Videos
After countless risk education sessions since 2012, FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage)'s staff and volunteers in the Philippines have reached the number of 500,000 people they taught safety behaviours to.
Reports suggest Iran may be deploying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, though sources are uncertain. Peter Zeihan warns that mines could be laid from small boats and are difficult to remove, often requiring weeks of sweeping. With limited U.S. mine-countermeasure ships available, clearing the strait could take weeks, threatening global oil supplies and markets.
An unexploded missile was removed from a residential building in western Iran's city of Kuhdasht in Lorestan province.
In the February edition of the EORE Hour, the EORE Advisory Group and Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) explored how the newly published Test & Evaluation Protocol 12.10/01/2026 on competencies for EORE practitioners can be translated into real training settings.
Briefing the UN Security Council in New York, Andrew Moore, The HALO Trust’s Regional Director MENA, appealed to the international community to provide urgent support for conventional weapons clearance in Syria to enable safe access to sites potentially harbouring chemical weapons.
Marking International Women's Day, FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage) gathered accounts of their female deminers, surveyors and education team members.
📅 Upcoming Events, Courses & Trainings
There are a number of interesting events for the mine action sector in the coming months, and some of the deadlines are approaching quickly.
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) launched Clearing the Way Forward: Women, Peace, and Security in Ukraine’s Mine Action Response on International Women’s Day, highlighting women’s growing roles in clearance, survey, and risk education—nearly 30% of the workforce. A hybrid launch event on 16 March (12:00–14:00, Geneva) will feature Ukrainian, UNIDIR, and Swiss representatives discussing WPS progress. Register here.
In December 2026, Rogue Wave Atlantic Row 2026 are taking on ‘the world’s toughest row’ — a month-long, unsupported 3,000-mile expedition from the Canary Islands to Antigua in support of The HALO Trust’s life-saving work. To be part of the journey from the very start by joining the team for an unforgettable black-tie evening at Royal Windsor Racecourse (on Saturday 11 April, from 6pm) with a luxurious three-course dinner, inspiring speakers, auction, raffle, and the official handover of the team’s boat, learn more and get your tickets here.
The Mine Action: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships speaker series is structured to address landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) challenges through a strictly humanitarian, civilian-protection-oriented framework, with clearly defined ethical, legal, and operational boundaries between humanitarian and military applications of technology. Dates are: FEB 19 | MAR 19 | APR 16 | MAY 21 | JUN 18 | JUL 16 | AUG 20 | SEP 17 | OCT 15 | NOV 19 | DEC 17. Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET. Location: Virtual (Zoom Webinar). Register here.
The 29th Annual Meeting of Mine Action Directors and UN Advisers will take place at the Geneva International Conference Center from 22 to 24 April 2026. Learn more and register here.
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)'s three IMSMA Global training courses for 2026 are officially open for registration: (1) 09 Mar 2026 - 13 Mar 2026 (Application deadline: 6 January 2026), (2) 04 May 2026 - 08 May 2026 (Application deadline: 4 February 2026), (3) 02 Nov 2026 - 06 Nov 2026 (Application deadline: 2 August 2026).
🔔 Always Stay in the Know – Never Miss an Update
This newsletter is subscribed to by over 3400+ dedicated readers on LinkedIn. To join this community of mine action professionals and supporters, go ahead and subscribe to the Mine Action Weekly newsletter. You can find all editions up to February 2026 on LinkedIn, and from March 2026 onwards here on Mine Action News.
Please reach out to me if there are any mine action news, journal articles, events, or updates that you would like to suggest for the next edition of Mine Action Weekly. You can find (and follow / connect with) me here. See you next Monday!
