Since the inception of the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program in 1993, and its merging into our overall Conventional Weapons Destruction program in subsequent years, the United States has delivered more than $2.6 billion in aid to help overcome threats from landmines and unexploded ordnance, as well as the destruction of at-risk and unsecured weapons and munitions in over 95 countries around the world. These efforts have been led by the U.S. Department of State, in close partnership with the Department of Defense, U.S. Agency for International Development, and a host of experts from across the U.S. Government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
The United States is proud to be the world’s single largest financial supporter of conventional weapons destruction and we share common cause with those working to address the harmful effects of indiscriminately used landmines on civilians and to prevent small arms and light weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists. Our efforts have enabled many countries around the world to become free of the humanitarian impact of landmines. These funds also support mine risk education to prevent accidents, and provide prosthetics, physical rehabilitation services, and vocational training for the injured. Physical security and stockpile management, including destroying excess weapons stockpiles, has become a primary tool in degrading violent extremist organizations’ capabilities, preventing accidental weapons depot explosions, and mitigating internal armed conflict. The programs we fund produce tangible, measurable, and positive results.
“To Walk the Earth in Safety” documents the United States’ commitment to conventional weapons destruction programs, supporting stability around the world. The report is a publication of the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA).
(This 15th edition covers activities from October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015.)