The MINE ACTION SUPPORT GROUP

The Mine Action Support Group (MASG), established in 1998, endeavors to coordinate HMA programs funded by the world’s major donor states, harmonize the prioritization of their respective mine action programs, and increase donor support for mine action where it is most needed. Chairmanship of the MASG rotates biennially; the United States held the position from 2018–2019.

The MASG is composed of over 30 donor states and a few observer organizations, which include members of the United Nations Inter-Agency Coordination Group for Mine Action, GICHD, Organization of American States (OAS), ITF-Enhancing Human Security, and the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery at James Madison University (CISR/JMU).

The MASG serves as an independent forum for the exchange of information and coordination of financial support and resources. PM/WRA funds a small secretariat that collects information, provides reports, organizes meetings, and facilitates visits to certain mine-affected countries as agreed to by the MASG members. The MASG meets twice a year and adheres to Chatham House Rule.

PM/WRA Director and recent MASG Chair, Stanley L. Brown created a living document for MASG members to discuss their current programs aimed at eliminating landmines and ERW. This enabled MASG members to connect with like-minded programmatic members in the hopes of assisting designated states to achieve their mine free status. The MASG also addressed timely topics such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen IED threat mitigation, IED disposal standards, and how to assist targeted states to meet their Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Article 5 obligations.

“One of the reasons the United States wanted to chair the MASG is that the global need for HMA programs continues to outstrip available resources,” Brown said. “Therefore, our effort over the past two years has been to deepen understanding of each other’s priorities and better identify funding sources in an effort to maximize their impact.”

The UN Mine Action Gateway website posts MASG notices, minutes, and presentations at https://www.mineaction.org/ en/mine-action-support-group-masg.

Photo caption: The October 2019 MASG meeting was held in New York City. Photo courtesy of the Department of State.