Algeria declares itself free of antipersonnel landmines

Humanitarian demining operations in Algeria. Photo courtesy the Government of Algeria.

At a United Nations mine action meeting in Geneva, a spokesperson for the government of Algeria announced that Algeria is now free of antipersonnel landmines.

“Thanks to decades of sustained efforts, strong national demining capacities and engagement by authorities at the highest level of government, Algeria can proudly announce that it has fulfilled its landmine clearance obligation, contributing to the convention's humanitarian aim to end the suffering and loss of human lives caused by antipersonnel mines,” said Colonel Ahcène Gherabi, director of Algeria's national demining programme. “As a result of our efforts, there are now 1,035,729 less mines in the world.”

Algeria’s landmine problem dates back to World War II. Demining operations have been going on since 1963.

While the demining part is done, caring for landmine victims will be ongoing.

"I am delighted that Algeria is now free of antipersonnel mines. Thanks to our government, and all other actors that have contributed to the clearance of landmines and their destruction," said Youcef Rafai, head of Association of Solidarity for the Handicapped and Mine Victims. "But we are not done with implementing the Mine Ban Treaty, I call upon our government to continue supporting landmine victims, some of whom are in critical need of assistance."

Chart courtesy Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor