JUBA - “Every time we succeed, we are not just removing explosive ordinances. We are also planting possibilities.”
This compelling call to action from Nyoka Loice Scopas, representing the Women in Mine Action Network, reflects the critical importance of the United Nations Mine Action Service’s work in South Sudan, where civil war has left a legacy of landmines and other unexploded ordnances, which continue to kill indiscriminately.
“It is deeply concerning that children account for nearly 80% of all the victims of this threat. These are not just statistics, they represent lives disrupted, families broken and communities living in fear,” stresses Akol Atak, South Sudan’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
“The presence of explosive hazards is not only humanitarian concern but also a barrier to peace.”
In the past 20 years, the United Nations Mine Action Service has made huge inroads in tackling this scourge, destroying more than 1.22 million explosive devices and 7.3m small ammunitions. Its teams have also cleared 4,907 kilometers of roads and educated 7.3 million people about the dangers posed by these deadly devices.
On the International Day for Mine Awareness, in partnership with the National Mine Action Authority, UNMAS’ extraordinary service to the people of South Sudan was commemorated at an event promoting the shared vision of achieving a mine-free world and need for necessary support to secure this outcome.
“It is not only a moment for reflection but also a commemoration of the victims of the war and explosive ordinances as a lasting legacy of a conflict,” said Zehrudin Sukanovic, Chief of UN Mine Action Programme in South Sudan.
“It is a reminder that the explosive ordinance risk persists long after the fighting subsides and a call for sustained collective efforts to address those risks.”
One of UNMAS’ key priorities is helping to create safe environments for communities and those who have been displaced by conflict and fear returning home due to the hidden risks of explosive ordnances and access to basic services.
So far, the mine action team has cleared more than 2,300 water points, 3,347 schools and 442 health clinics.
“Without safe land and infrastructure, none of our collective work can move forward,” explains Musa Gassama, the Director of Human Rights for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. “If we aim for durable solutions and long-term stability, mine action must remain a priority.”
There is still more to be done, with the remaining contamination area estimated to be around 20.6 km², including minefields, cluster munition strike zones, military confrontation sites, and roads.
But this life-saving support is at risk due to a UN-wide financial crisis, which forced UNMAS to downsize its demining teams from 19 to eight and demobilize its detection dogs and automated mine clearing machines.
Access restrictions also create obstacles.
“International support cannot replace strong national conviction. Mine action needs to remain a national priority. Without peace, even the strongest efforts cannot succeed,” said Toshio Odagiri, Japan’s Ambassador to South Sudan.
“Mine Action depends on access. We encourage the government to act in accordance with the spirit of the peace agreement.”
Despite the challenges, the mine action team perseveres, motivated by the goal of ensuring South Sudan is land-mine free by 2030 so that the people they serve can live freely and safely.
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By Francesca Mold
