Mine Action and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education activities in the Aden and Taiz Governorates of the Internationally Recognized Government (IRG) South Yemen ltpgtNorwegian People's Aid (NPA) strives to make a substantial contribution to addressing the issue of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Yemen. The project is set to span over seven months, commencing on December 1st, 2023, and concluding on June 30th, 2024. The initial two months will be dedicated to preparation, mobilisation, and training, while the subsequent five months will concentrate on field operations in the governorates of Aden and Taiz.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtThe project will enhance NPA's existing land release activities by deploying six Mine Detection Dogs (MDD) and handlers. These highly trained dogs can detect hidden mines and ERW more efficiently than traditional methods, reducing the risk of accidents during clearance operations. This will help identify and clear contaminated areas, making them safe for communities.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtThe project involves expanding NPA's partnership with the Yemen Mine Action Centre (YMAC) and Yemen Executive Mine Action Centre (YEMAC). This collaboration allows for better coordination, resource sharing, and expertise exchange between organisations working towards mine action in Yemen. By pooling our efforts together, we can achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in addressing the problem.ltbrgtThe MDDs and handlers will undergo refresher training that aligns with NPA's well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on National and International Mine Action Standards (NMAS and IMAS). Adhering to these standardised procedures ensures that clearance operations are conducted safely, systematically, and according to best practices recognised globally.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtIn addition to land release activities, the project incorporates a three dedicated teams that focuses on providing Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE). This education's main objective is to increase community awareness about the dangers associated with landmines and ERW. This initiative equips people with life-saving knowledge by educating individuals on how to identify potential hazards, prevent accidents, effectively report suspicious items and take necessary precautions when encountering explosive remnants of war or landmines.lt/pgtltpgt  ltbrgtThe total number of beneficiaries targeted under EORE includes approx. 10,000 individuals will directly benefit from community-based EORE training sessions in the Aden and Taiz governorates centred on implementation tasks assigned by YMAC. These sessions are designed to educate and raise awareness among 3,500 women, 3,000 boys, 3,000 girls and 500 men about the risks associated with landmines and ERW. Furthermore, it empowers them with knowledge of how to remain safe.lt/pgtltpgt  ltbrgtThe importance of this mine action project lies in its potential impact on both immediate safety concerns as well as long-term development goals:ltbrgtlt/pgtltulgtltligtHumanitarian Impact: Landmines and ERW pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of communities in Yemen. By clearing contaminated areas, the project directly contributes to reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by these explosive hazards. This ensures that people can live, work, and move freely without fear.lt/ligtltligtSocio-economic Development: The presence of landmines and ERW hinders socio-economic development in affected areas. These hazards restrict access to agricultural lands, water sources, infrastructure development sites, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services. By clearing these areas through effective mine action efforts, the project creates safer conditions for communities to rebuild their lives and promotes sustainable development.lt/ligtltligtThe removal of landmines and ERW is crucial for building peace in conflict-affected regions like Yemen. These explosive remnants continue to pose a threat even after conflicts have ended or territories have been reclaimed from armed groups. By eliminating these dangers from the landscape through comprehensive mine action activities, the project contributes towards creating a safer environment conducive to long-lasting peace.lt/ligtlt/ulgtltpgt ltbrgtlt/pgt