14 March 2014 - The Japanese government has donated $2.5 million to a special UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) project tackling unexploded hazards in South Sudan, the two organizations said in a recent statement.

An increased number of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other explosives since conflict broke out in the country in mid-December 2013 threaten the lives of civilians and limit safe delivery of humanitarian aid, the statement said.

The contribution to the UNMAS project -- "Provision of Emergency Response and Support to the Japanese Engineering Contingent with Multi-Tasking Teams" -- is part of an assistance package of $25 million announced by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on 14 January in response to the country’s deteriorating humanitarian situation.

"We recognize that mine action is one of the essential services required to support the ongoing humanitarian aid delivery in South Sudan,” said Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan Mr Takeshi Akamatsu. “We hope the new UNMAS teams would support lifesaving operations in response to this crisis.”

The project’s multi-tasking teams will conduct surveys, clear dangerous items in contaminated areas, monitor impact, assess needs during clearance operations and provide mine risk education to residents on potential dangers of explosive materials.

The teams will also support activities of the UNMISS Japanese engineers, the statement said.

Lance Malin, UNMAS South Sudan Programme Manager, welcomed Japan’s generous support for his body’s clearance efforts in South Sudan.

“This funding will be used to clear explosive hazards throughout the country, including those from the current crisis, thus saving lives and enabling humanitarian access,” he said. “UNMAS will also continue to work closely with the UNMISS Japanese Engineering Contingent in supporting their operations.”

UNMAS has been supporting the Japanese engineers over the past 12 months by clearing dangerous UXOs found close to sites where they are working. As an example, the Japanese were preparing ground for road construction in Juba last year when they found a UXO, which UNMAS promptly removed.