Algeria’s Leadership in Mine Clearance: A Model of National Initiative, Victim Protection, and International Engagement
By Dr. Hana Saada
As the world observes the International Day for Mine Awareness on Saturday, Algeria reaffirms its enduring commitment to the global effort to eliminate the threat posed by landmines. Having ratified the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, Algeria’s adherence to its obligations remains steadfast and fully implemented.
The national demining and clearance program, spanning several decades, reached completion at the end of 2016. According to the Ministry of National Defense, nearly 11 million mines, placed by the colonial army along the “Morice” and “Challe” lines bordering neighboring countries, were successfully neutralized using exclusively national resources. Through the tireless efforts of the Algerian People’s National Army (ANP), over 62,000 hectares of land were cleared of explosive remnants, mitigating risks to civilians, wildlife, and ecosystems. These operations were accompanied by extensive public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing accidents in areas where undetected mines might still have remained.
Algeria’s achievement in mine clearance has positioned the country as a regional reference, providing technical and humanitarian expertise to the international community. Beyond neutralizing explosives, Algeria established support mechanisms for victims, encompassing medical care, psychological assistance, and social integration programs. In 2023, the nation hosted the African International Seminar on Anti-Personnel Mine Action in collaboration with the Ottawa Convention Support Unit, further reinforcing its global engagement and advocacy for universal adherence to the treaty.
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) has commended Algeria’s comprehensive approach, emphasizing that it extends beyond clearance operations to the systematic care of affected individuals. In its statement marking the International Day for Mine Awareness, the CNDH noted that Algeria has strengthened its legal and regulatory framework to guarantee victims’ rights and ensure their full participation in society. It also recalled the enduring human consequences of mines left from the colonial period, whose social and human impacts persisted long after independence.
According to the CNDH, Algeria’s consistent national will and mobilization have enabled it to address these challenges effectively, securing affected areas and enabling their safe reuse. Furthermore, Algeria remains actively engaged in international mine action, collaborating with the United Nations system to support multilateral initiatives aimed at prohibiting landmines and criminalizing their use, guided by the principle of protecting fundamental human rights, including the right to life, security, and freedom of movement.
The CNDH reiterated the importance of sustaining and enhancing both national and international efforts, emphasizing the need to cultivate a culture of prevention and to intensify awareness campaigns in previously affected regions. These measures aim to safeguard lives and reinforce societal understanding of the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance and landmines. This year’s observance underscores the imperative to support global mine action, eliminate remnants of explosive hazards, and ensure the protection of civilians in contaminated communities.
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