How we are funded

The vision of the United Nations is a mine-free world; a world where landmines and explosive remnants of war do not pose a threat to civilians. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations to coordinate this vision into reality.

UNMAS is funded in several ways and receives contributions through the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action (UN VTF), which was established by the General Assembly as an accountable and agile funding mechanism to fund activities across the mine action sector. UNMAS can accept contributions from donor States. These support UNMAS broadest humanitarian mandate meant to protect those most vulnerable from the threats posed by explosive ordnance as well as to fulfill its global coordination role and to provide its technical expertise. In addition, when UNMAS deploys in peacekeeping and special political mission settings under Security Council mandates, funding can be provided through assessed contributions by United Nations Member States through appropriations made by the General Assembly. When integrated into peacekeeping and sp

UNMAS also receives financing from pooled funding mechanisms used by the United Nations system, including country-based ones, emergency relief funds, and Multi-Donor Trust Funds. In addition, individuals and the private sector support UNMAS work through tax-deductible contributions made through the UN Foundation.

UNMAS also benefits greatly through in-kind expertise from Member States. High-level, mid-career professionals have been seconded over the years to work for UNMAS at its headquarters and in its field programmes. This expertise is primarily in the area of explosive ordnance disposal and removal in addition to other areas of expertise related to explosive ordnance threat mitigation.