Federal Foreign Office supports projects to clear mines and unexploded ordnance in eastern Libya

Mines and unexploded ordnance in the former conflict zones in eastern Libya pose a considerable threat to the local population. So far, more than 50 people have been affected by accidents involving unexploded ordnance.

The German Government plans to help eliminate this threat and thus restore a safe environment for the population. The Federal Foreign Office is therefore supporting an explosive ordnance disposal project run by the Swiss non-governmental organization “Fondation Suisse de Déminage” to the tune of some 160,000 euro. The project is co-financed by the EU’s Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) and makes it possible for specially-trained teams of more than 50 people to spend six months deactivating mines and unexploded ordnance.

The Federal Foreign Office has also made available about 135,000 euro to support a risk education project by Handicap International, an international non-governmental organization, to raise awareness of the dangers emanating from unexploded and abandoned ordnance and landmines. The local population and refugees returning to their homes learn not to touch explosive devices and to report their presence. The project is also supported by UNICEF.