What is the project doing?  

In 2008 the Government of Mozambique and UNDP entered into a partnership to cooperate on projects to support national and local capacities to respond to the challenges posed by firearms, stockpiled munitions, armed violence, landmines and explosive remnants of war to Human Security and Human Development in Mozambique. In partnership with the Government this project implements a range of Mine Action and Small Arms activities supported by high level technical advisory services from UNDP.

Why?  

Landmines in Mozambique restrict access to health services, to clean water, to schools, inter-provincial and trade routes and restrict opportunities for socio-economic development, which are so vital to demonstrating the peace dividend to communities in the aftermath of war. Despite years of successful efforts to clear landmines from past conflicts, an estimated 541 Suspected Hazardous Areas and around 220 kilometres of roads remain to be cleared of landmines, while residual threats posed by Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) are incalculable though an everyday threat to local communities.

Moreover, an increasing level of armed violence in Mozambique has the potential to destroy lives and livelihoods, breed insecurity and, as seen in other Small Arms affected countries, could have a profoundly negative impact on Mozambique’s development. In a similar way to landmines, the proliferation and usage of illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons, which is gender blind, affecting both men and women, both boys and girls, restricts access to social and development services as well as the safe access for development actors. By weakening the rule of law, the presence of SALW has the potential to reduce Mozambique’s economic prospects and capacity to promote social development. Landmines and SALW thereby limit the progress that can be made towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and increasing its Human Development indicators.

The right to live in a safe and secure environment, be it free from landmines or illegal SALW, can be considered fundamental human right and therefore these activities are a cross cutting priority highlighted in Mozambique’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper - PARPA II. This Programme represents part of the UNDP’s contribution to the government’s efforts to meet its obligation under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty clearing all known mines contaminated areas by 2014 and its efforts in the framework of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its Aspects (PoA) as well as the Southern African Development Committee and UN firearms protocols.

How is this being achieved?  

•  through Mine Action activities  and
•  through Small Arms and Light Weapons related activities