Mines Advisory Group

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The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), which assists people affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

MAG takes a humanitarian approach to landmine action. This means that they do not focus on metrics such as land area cleared or numbers of landmines removed. Instead, they focus on the impact of their work on local communities. This approach recognises that although the number of landmines in an area may be small, the effect on a community can be crippling. Targets are therefore determined locally, in response to liaison with affected communities, and local authorities.

MAG field operations are managed and implemented by nationals of the affected countries, with MAG expatriate staff taking a monitoring and training role. MAG provides work for many members of affected communities, with families of landmine victims taking an active role.

MAG is based in Manchester, UK and has a sister organisation, MAG America in Washington, USA. As part of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, MAG was co-laureate of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.

Contents

Current operations

MAG operates in many countries around the world. Their field work can be divided into Programmes, Projects and Assessments.

Programmes

Summer 1999 to December 2000: MAG was the designated mine clearance organisation in the Kosovska Mitrovica region and fielded three Mine Action Teams. They also undertook Child-to-Child and Safer Village mine awareness projects.

Northern Ongoing since 1992: Currently fielding 17 Mine Action Teams, and eight Mine Awareness Teams. The Mine Action Teams respond to over 300 emergency tasks each year. The Mine Awareness Teams work with teachers, religious leaders and returning refugees to help them live more safely in contaminated environments.

1994 to 2001: Operations began in Xiangkhoang Province in 1994 and in Saravanne Province in 1997. The programme was handed over to UXO Lao in 2000. MAG continues to provide technical support, training and advice.

Ongoing since 1999: Operations began in Quang Tri Province in 1999 and in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Binh in 2002. Three mobile Mine Action Teams and two large clearance teams are operational. The Mine Action Teams' priority is clearance of debris of war from villages and agricultural land. The clearance teams are clearing land designated for re-settling displaced families.

Ongoing since 1992: Operations began in Battambang Province in October 1992 and spread to Pursat, Preah Vihear and Kompong Thom Provinces. There are currently 22 Mine Action Teams, two mobile Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, ten Community Liaison Teams and five Tempest Vegetation Cutters in operation. MAG's work is closely integrated into the wider development process and undertakes joint projects with other NGOs in areas including Health, Education, Water and Sanitation.

Ongoing since 2001: MAG supports logal NGO operations in conflict areas. Since the cease-fire in February 2002, assessments have been carried out in Mannar District and the Vanni Region. Working with the Tamils Rehabilitation Organisation, MAG focusses on emergency survey and demarcation, mine awareness, landmine clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

Ongoing since 1994: MAG operates in Cunene and Moxico Provinces. Six Mine Action Teams and two Community Liaison Teams are in operation and MAG works closely with other local NGOs and provincial authorities. Safe transport routes, access to water and land for relief operations and refugee repatriation is are priorities.

Projects

Ongoing since May 2000: An assessment of the impact of mines and UXO lead to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the National Demining Office to implement mine action activities throughout the country. Three Mine Action Teams are now in operation and a national Landmine Impact Survey is underway.

April 2000 to January 2002: MAG trained and supervised over 40 deminers and six supervisors and instructors, and helped develop the prioritisation systems for the country's first mine action initiative - a local NGO called Relief Azerbaijan.

Ongoing since 2002: MAG trained the Organisation for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation to address new types of UXO found after the coalition activity in the area. Mechanical assistance is also being provided.

October 2001 to July 2002: MAG worked with the United Nations Office for Projects Services (UNOPS). Established and trained an EOD team comprising of Somaliland police personnel and a member of the Somaliland Mine Action Centre (SMAC).

Ongoing since 1998: Working with a local NGO, Operation Save Innocent Lives (OSIL) to develop technical mine-clearance capability and its approach to community liaison, administration and medical support.

Assessments

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