Support for Mine Action

In 2011, Switzerland contributed CHF15,534,954 (US$17,529,851) in mine action funding to 14 countries, one area, and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).[1] The largest contribution went to the GICHD, which received 55% (CHF8.5 million/$9.6 million) of Switzerland’s total contribution for the year. Lao PDR, the second largest recipient of funding from Switzerland, received more than $2 million.

Switzerland, in support of advocacy and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, made contributions to the CMC, the Convention on Cluster Munitions Second Meeting of States Parties in Beirut in September 2011, Geneva Call, ICBL, and the Switzerland Campaign Against Landmines (SCBL). Switzerland also contributed CHF100,000 ($112,841) to the ICRC and CHF70,000 ($78,989) to the Implementation Support Unit for victim assistance.

In February 2012, Switzerland released its 2012–2015 Mine Action Strategic Plan. The strategy reaffirms Switzerland’s commitment to the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Switzerland will continue giving its support to GICHD and the Implementation Support Unit, on the issue of gender in mine action and accessibility for survivors to development projects, and to the development of national capacity and ownership in mine action programs.[2] In releasing its strategy, Switzerland said it expected to contribute approximately CHF16 million ($18 million) per year.[3]

Contributions by recipient: 2011[4]

Switzerland allocated some 55% of its mine action support in 2011 to GICHD; other contributions included 36% for clearance and 7% for advocacy. Victim assistance and risk education received the remaining 2%.

Contributions by sector: 2011

Since 2007, Switzerland has consistently contributed approximately CHF16 million each year (an average of $15 million) with the majority of its funding going to the GICHD.

Summary of contributions: 2007–2011[5]