UNMAS
United Nations Mine Action Service
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Give to Gain: Women Driving Resilience in Mine Action

International Women’s Day 2026 is marked under the theme “Give to Gain”, a reminder that generosity, collaboration, and shared responsibility are the foundations of sustainable progress. At UNMAS Central African Republic (CAR), MINUSCA’s Mine Action Service section, this principle is embodied by two women whose leadership and expertise have strengthened mine action at both strategic and operational levels: Dorothy DU, Officer in Charge of the…

Our Mission

UNMAS works with affected communities and partners worldwide to eliminate explosive threats, protect civilians, enable humanitarian action, and create the conditions for sustainable peace and recovery.


Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works to eliminate the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices by coordinating United Nations mine action, leading operational responses at the country level, and in support of peace operations, as well as through the development of standards, policies and norms. UNMAS is a specialized, agile organization, which delivers concrete results in dynamic operating environments across the world. UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council. UNMAS also responds to requests for assistance from national authorities in states affected by explosive ordnance. The scope of mine action work covers five pillars.

Five Pillars of Mine Action

The Five Pillars of Mine Action form the foundation of the United Nations’ approach to addressing the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
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Clearance

Removal and/or destruction of all explosive ordnance from a specified area or to a specified depth. Clearance also includes surveys, mapping and minefield marking.

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Mine Risk Education

UNMAS delivers educational activities aimed at reducing the risk of injury from explosive ordnance through public information campaigns, education and training, and liaison with communities.

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Victim Assistance

Victim assistance addresses the needs and rights of victims of explosive ordnance through medical care, physical rehabilitation, psychosocial support and social inclusion, etc.

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Advocacy

Advocacy includes outreach to encourage universal participation in existing international agreements and treaty meetings that ban or limit the use of landmines.

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Stockpile Destruction

UNMAS provides technical support to the destruction and proper storage and inspection of stockpiled explosive hazards, known as weapons and ammunition management (WAM).

Discover more

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UNMAS Videos
Watch how UNMAS clears landmines and explosive ordnance to protect communities and help countries build safer futures.
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UN Mine Action Strategy 2024
The UN Mine Action Strategy constitutes an accountability framework for the UN system and participating UN entities.
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UNMAS Annual Report 2024
Learn more about our mine action in 21 countries and territories to mitigate the threat of explosive ordnance.