Mine Clearance Policy Goals to promote human welfare through mine awareness and training, and to promote U.S. foreign policy, security, and economic interests. Mine Clearance Policy Objectives reduction of civilian casualties, development of medical infrastructure, enhancement of host country stability, establishment of sustainable indigenous demining programs. These goals and objectives recognize the connection between APL victims, their local economy, and the logical need for afflicted nations to work the hardest to provide their own solutions. When a medical infrastructure is developed that is sustainable and can meet all the requirements for rehabilitation, victims can retake their place in productive society. As economies develop, with the return of arable land and capable people, regions and countries become more stable.
Stable economies promote political stability.
U.S. national interests of peace and stability are complemented. Philosophical Approach As long as the United States is the pre-eminent world power, it will be looked to for leadership in mine clearance. About 10 years ago the United States joined the fledgling humanitarian mine clearance effort around the world. Since that time we have generally expanded our effort by simply doing more of what was done before. While that approach got mines out of the ground, it will not suffice to meet President Clinton's goal and the world's expectation of us.