UNMAS: Fighting Unexploded Ordnance On A Global Scale

Explosive remnants of war (ERW) are a deadly legacy of conflict, leaving civilians in countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Colombia at daily risk of death or injury. From landmines to improvised explosive devices (IEDs), these remnants continue to threaten lives and hinder development long after hostilities have ended.

Coordinating a global response to this ongoing threat is the mission of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). Through clearance operations, victim assistance, education, and advocacy, UNMAS works to make conflict-affected areas safer and more resilient, contributing to the United Nations’ broader vision for international peace and security.

The United Nations: Working for Global Peace

Founded in 1945, the United Nations (UN) is an international organisation tasked with promoting global peace, security, and cooperation. With 193 member states, the UN addresses a wide range of challenges, from delivering humanitarian aid to upholding international law and fostering sustainable development.

The UN General Assembly serves as the organisation’s main deliberative body, where representatives from all member states meet annually. They debate key issues, pass resolutions, and determine the mandates that guide the day-to-day work of the UN’s councils and agencies.

The most influential body, however, is the UN Security Council. Comprised of five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) and ten rotating non-permanent members, the Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It can authorise peacekeeping missions, impose sanctions, and approve the use of force when necessary.

Within this complex framework, the UN Department of Peace Operations oversees mine action efforts through UNMAS, coordinating responses to the threat of landmines, IEDs, and other explosive remnants of war.

UNMAS: Leading the Fight Against Unexploded Ordnance

As the global leader in mine action, UNMAS operates in some of the world’s most hazardous regions. Its work is guided by five pillars of mine action, which form the foundation of its strategy:

Advocacy and Legislation

UNMAS promotes global mine action policies, working with governments to strengthen laws and treaties that address the use and clearance of landmines and other UXO. Its advocacy efforts support disarmament treaties and encourage broader international cooperation.

Mine Clearance and UXO Disposal

UNMAS deploys thousands of personnel worldwide to detect, remove, and safely dispose of landmines, cluster munitions, and other UXO. Using advanced detection technologies and expert teams, UNMAS clears contaminated land, allowing displaced communities to return home and humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

Risk Education

In many regions, civilians face daily dangers from hidden explosives. UNMAS provides mine risk education, teaching local communities how to recognise and avoid UXO. These programmes are vital in reducing accidents, particularly among children, who are disproportionately affected by unexploded ordnance.

Victim Assistance

For those injured by landmines or UXO, UNMAS supports rehabilitation and reintegration services. This includes access to medical care, prosthetics, psychological support, and vocational training, helping survivors regain their independence.

Stockpile Destruction

To prevent future UXO contamination, UNMAS assists nations in destroying stockpiled landmines and surplus munitions. This work is particularly significant for countries that have ratified the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, which requires the destruction of all stockpiled anti-personnel mines.

The Global Impact of Mine Action

The efforts of UNMAS and its partners have a tangible impact on post-conflict recovery and development. By clearing explosive remnants of war, they enable:

• Safe return of displaced people – Contaminated land prevents refugees and internally displaced persons from going home. Mine clearance allows communities to rebuild.
• Humanitarian access – Removing UXO ensures aid organisations can deliver food, medical care, and shelter to vulnerable populations.
• Economic recovery – Farmers can safely cultivate their land, and infrastructure projects can proceed without the risk of encountering unexploded munitions.
• Education and stability – Schools and public facilities can reopen, fostering stability and growth.

UXO Threats Closer to Home

While UNMAS works in conflict zones around the world, the legacy of wartime explosives is not confined to distant regions. In the UK, unexploded ordnance from World War I and II still poses a risk during construction and infrastructure projects.

At Brimstone UXO, we share the UN’s vision of creating safer environments by providing expert UXO risk mitigation services. Our team supports construction, infrastructure, and development projects by identifying and safely removing UXO, reducing risk to workers and the public. Using our Prequalification for the United Nations Peace and Security Cluster, we dispose of unexploded ordnance on their behalf. Their commitment to human rights, environment and anti-corruption is also evident at Brimstone, which has been a signatory of the UN Global Compact since 2016.

Learn More About Our UXO Mitigation Services

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in comprehensive UXO risk management, from initial assessments to safe disposal. Our services help construction and infrastructure projects stay on schedule while keeping workers and the public safe from the dangers of unexploded ordnance.

Contact us today to discuss your UXO risk mitigation needs.

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