22/7/2005
Funding Still Needed For Mine Clearance In Kosovo

Six years after the Kosovo crisis, unexploded mines are still claiming victims there and the UN, who now administer the province, say that additional funds are necessary for clearance operations. Despite repeated warnings not to venture into areas marked with tape or mine signs, two people have been killed and seven seriously injured so far this year.

Since April when de-mining activities resumed, over 1,200 mines and unexploded ordnance have been located and destroyed, and over 2 million square metres of land cleared. Last year, over 4,000 items of mines and unexploded ordnance were located and destroyed and over 4 million square metres of land cleared.

Continued donor funding is needed for the ongoing operations of NGOs such as the Halo Trust, Handicap International and the Mines Awareness Trust, say the UN.