In 2021, the Federal Republic of Germany provided €54.8 million (US$64.8 million) in mine action funding to 13 countries, as well as to global activities.[1] Germany’s mine action funding in 2021 increased by 19% compared to 2020, when its contribution amounted approximately €47.6 million ($54.3 million). In 2021, Germany was among the fifth largest donors to mine action.

Contributions by recipient: 2021[2]

Mine action assistance approach

In 2015, Germany explained that it was seeking to reduce the number of countries benefiting from its assistance, in order to strengthen its support for mine action projects in 10 partner countries.[3] The 10 partners identified by Germany within its 2019–2021 updated humanitarian mine action strategy were: Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Cambodia, Colombia, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Ukraine.[4] Priority countries are selected based on humanitarian needs, international convention obligations, national ownership, and effectiveness and efficiency of the program.[5] In April 2022, Germany published a revised strategy, covering 2022–2023, which outlined the key priorities of its assistance, with clearance remaining “the focus of engagement to reduce the negative humanitarian impact of mine[s] and ERW [explosive remnants of war].”[6]

According to its mine action strategy, Germany seeks to achieve four objectives: reduce the threat posed by landmines and ERW; reduce vulnerability and improve resilience through risk education and victim assistance; enhance advocacy and promote universalization of relevant international norms; and develop and implement innovative methods, standards, and tools for more effective humanitarian mine action.[7]

COVID-19 and mine action support

In May 2021, Germany reported to the Monitor that funding for mine action remained stable in 2020 and 2021 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Only one project was said to have been postponed due to “major impediments,” but with no impact on the overall disbursement of funds.[8]

Five-year support to mine action

From 2017–2021, Germany contributed more than €247 million ($284.7 million) to mine action, half of which was provided in 2017 and 2021. In comparison, during the previous five-year period from 2012–2016, its support totaled €95.7 million ($115.9 million). Germany’s contributions to mine action have more than doubled (145% increase) from the previous five-year period.

Until 2013, Germany consistently contributed approximately €17 million ($23 million) each year in support to mine action. In 2014, Germany’s funding totaled some €13 million ($17.5 million), which represented its lowest level since 2007, when it provided €13.4 million ($18.4 million). In 2016 and 2017, Germany significantly increased its mine action funding, reaching a peak of nearly €75 million ($84.4 million). In 2018, Germany’s support to mine action decreased by 50% but still remained above the 2016 level. The decrease in 2018 and 2019 was expected, as Germany indicated that the exceptionally high level of funding provided in 2017 would not be repeated annually.[9]

Summary of contributions: 2017–2021[10]

Note: N/A=not applicable.