UNDP wilsupporting the Algerian Government in its efforts to comply with the obligations of the Convention on the Prohibition
of the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and on their destruction (Ottawa Convention).
The second world war and the conflict leading to the end of the colonial occupation of Algeria, as well as the recent
period of terrorism, have created a considerable mine action problem in the country. Though a detailed and systematic evaluation
of the problem does not exist the Government’s estimation is that approximately 3 million antipersonnel mines have contaminated
an area of 5,700 square kilometres. It is obvious that the mine problem represents a major risk for the safety of many communities
and a manacle for the economic development of the affected regions.
Algeria, a signatory of the Ottawa Convention
since 1997, is making significant progress towards the convention’s obligations in particular in terms of destruction of the
entire stock of anti-personnel mines.
UNDP Algeria – with the technical and financial support of the Bureau of
Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR) - is associated with the Algerian Government’s engagements to pursue and strengthen
its efforts to solve the mine problem in the country to respond to the needs and expectations of the affected communities.
The project will provide the required expertise and services to strengthen the capacity of the Inter-ministerial
Committee responsible for the application of the Ottawa Conventions in terms of its supervisory and coordination role for
mine action in Algeria. It will equally facilitate the completion of a mine impact study, the formulation and the implementation
of a national strategy and an operational plan of action, the establishment of a management and information system as well
as the implementation of mine risk education and information activities.
The total project budget amounts to US$
1,176,000 and is financed by the Government of Algeria (US$ 460,000), the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium (US$ 127,000),
the Government of Canada (US$ 129,000), and UNDP (US$ 460,000) including a financial contribution from BCPR.
