News / National
Zimbabwe nears landmine-free status
2 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. Speaking at the 5th Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention in Cambodia, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri highlighted Zimbabwe's significant progress in demining efforts, despite funding challenges.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri revealed that Zimbabwe has cleared 96 percent of its wartime landmines, reducing the contaminated area from 310,650,000 square metres to 12,321,860 square metres.
"This remaining minefield translates to 4 percent, demonstrating the country's unwavering political commitment to the Convention," she said during the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World.
Challenges to a Mine-Free 2025 Goal
However, the minister acknowledged that Zimbabwe's target of achieving a mine-free status by 2025 is no longer attainable due to funding shortfalls.
"Zimbabwe is making strides in victim assistance, ensuring landmine survivors are included in social protection nets and economic development programmes," she said. These efforts include providing free education, healthcare, artificial limbs, food, and agricultural inputs.
Call for Collaboration
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri emphasised the need for collective action involving government, international partners, civil society, and local communities to achieve a mine-free Zimbabwe.
"Sharing experiences and expertise between and among state parties remains invaluable," she said. She also proposed establishing a centre of excellence for sharing information and mobilising funding for mine action across Africa.
Recognising Partners and Future Plans
The minister commended organisations such as the Hazardous Area Life-Support Organisation Trust, APOPO, Mine Advisory Group, and Norwegian People's Aid for their contributions to demining efforts.
"We will continue capacitating the Zimbabwe National Army's National Mine Clearance Unit, which is working alongside international operators, and assist in mobilising funds for these vital operations," she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also announced plans to convene the second National Stakeholders Dialogue on Mine Victim Assistance in 2025 to further address the needs of affected individuals.
Hope for a Mine-Free Zimbabwe
Despite funding challenges, Zimbabwe remains optimistic about achieving a mine-free status with sustained effort and international support.
The 5th Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention, which began in Cambodia on Monday, will conclude on Friday. The summit provides a platform for member states to share progress, challenges, and strategies in the global fight against landmines.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri revealed that Zimbabwe has cleared 96 percent of its wartime landmines, reducing the contaminated area from 310,650,000 square metres to 12,321,860 square metres.
"This remaining minefield translates to 4 percent, demonstrating the country's unwavering political commitment to the Convention," she said during the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World.
Challenges to a Mine-Free 2025 Goal
However, the minister acknowledged that Zimbabwe's target of achieving a mine-free status by 2025 is no longer attainable due to funding shortfalls.
"Zimbabwe is making strides in victim assistance, ensuring landmine survivors are included in social protection nets and economic development programmes," she said. These efforts include providing free education, healthcare, artificial limbs, food, and agricultural inputs.
Call for Collaboration
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri emphasised the need for collective action involving government, international partners, civil society, and local communities to achieve a mine-free Zimbabwe.
"Sharing experiences and expertise between and among state parties remains invaluable," she said. She also proposed establishing a centre of excellence for sharing information and mobilising funding for mine action across Africa.
Recognising Partners and Future Plans
The minister commended organisations such as the Hazardous Area Life-Support Organisation Trust, APOPO, Mine Advisory Group, and Norwegian People's Aid for their contributions to demining efforts.
"We will continue capacitating the Zimbabwe National Army's National Mine Clearance Unit, which is working alongside international operators, and assist in mobilising funds for these vital operations," she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also announced plans to convene the second National Stakeholders Dialogue on Mine Victim Assistance in 2025 to further address the needs of affected individuals.
Hope for a Mine-Free Zimbabwe
Despite funding challenges, Zimbabwe remains optimistic about achieving a mine-free status with sustained effort and international support.
The 5th Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention, which began in Cambodia on Monday, will conclude on Friday. The summit provides a platform for member states to share progress, challenges, and strategies in the global fight against landmines.
Source - The Herald
