KSrelief Calls for Global Mine Clearance Responsibility

Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), called for strengthening global responsibility for mine clearance efforts during the third annual International Conference on Mine Action held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 30 to 31, 2024. In his address, Dr. Al Rabeeah underscored the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s active role in removing unexploded ordnance as part of its humanitarian commitment to protect civilians, particularly women and children, and to build a safer, healthier environment worldwide.

Context and Background

The International Conference on Mine Action, themed “Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for a Safe and Green Future,” brought together global leaders and experts to address the devastating consequences of landmines and unexploded ordnance. Dr. Al Rabeeah’s participation highlights Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian strategy, which integrates environmental protection with civilian safety. He referenced the Middle East Green Initiative, announced by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, valued at $2.5 billion, aimed at protecting land and nature across the region.

Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts, as emphasized by Dr. Al Rabeeah, are rooted in a long-standing commitment to global aid. Since 1996, the Kingdom has provided over $129 billion in assistance to 169 countries, demonstrating its leadership in international humanitarian response. This substantial support reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering stability and prosperity beyond its borders.

Key Details

Dr. Al Rabeeah detailed KSrelief’s extensive portfolio, noting that the center has executed 2,925 humanitarian projects in 99 countries, with a total value of $6.824 billion. These projects span critical sectors such as food security, education, health, shelter, nutrition, water, and environmental sanitation, carried out in collaboration with 180 international, regional, and local partners. A focal point of his address was the Saudi Mine Clearance Project in Yemen (MASAM), launched in June 2018. This initiative, implemented by Saudi cadres and international experts, has successfully removed 443,452 planted explosives and cleared 56,636,614 cubic meters of land in Yemen. Additionally, MASAM has built the capabilities of 400 mine clearance specialists.

Beyond Yemen, KSrelief has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Azerbaijan National Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) to provide financial support for clearing Azerbaijani lands of mines. In April 2024, the center also extended a grant to Iraq to finance survey projects and the removal of cluster munitions and mines in several governorates. Furthermore, Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted the prosthetic limbs program in Yemen, which manufactures and provides prosthetic devices for amputees and has benefited 3,496,500 individuals through various rehabilitation programs.

Implications and Impact

Saudi Arabia’s mine clearance efforts carry significant implications for regional stability and global humanitarian norms. By addressing the environmental and human toll of landmines, the Kingdom contributes to creating safe environments that enable post-conflict recovery and sustainable development. These actions reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role as a responsible global actor, championing civilian protection and environmental preservation. The partnerships with Azerbaijan and Iraq exemplify cross-border cooperation, setting a precedent for international collaboration in mitigating the hazards of unexploded ordnance.

Moreover, the scale of Saudi aid—over $129 billion to 169 countries—underscores the Kingdom’s pivotal role in humanitarian diplomacy. Such efforts not only save lives but also foster goodwill and strengthen diplomatic ties, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of enhancing its global standing and contributing to a more peaceful world.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Dr. Al Rabeeah’s call for strengthened global responsibility resonates with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and promote international cooperation. The Kingdom’s humanitarian initiatives, particularly in mine clearance, reflect the vision’s emphasis on social responsibility and global engagement. By investing in landmine removal and victim rehabilitation, Saudi Arabia not only protects vulnerable populations but also advances environmental sustainability—a core pillar of the Middle East Green Initiative. As the Kingdom continues to expand its humanitarian footprint, it reinforces its commitment to a safer, greener future for all, embodying the visionary leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah participate in?

A1. Dr. Al Rabeeah participated in the third annual International Conference on Mine Action held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 30 to 31, 2024, under the theme “Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for a Safe and Green Future.”

Q2. What is KSrelief’s role in mine clearance?

A2. KSrelief actively removes unexploded ordnance to protect civilians, build capabilities, provide safe environments, and reduce the harmful effects of explosives on individuals and society, as part of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts.

Q3. How much aid has Saudi Arabia provided since 1996?

A3. Saudi Arabia has provided over $129 billion in aid to 169 countries worldwide since 1996, demonstrating its strong commitment to global humanitarian assistance and international solidarity.

Q4. What is the MASAM project?

A4. The Saudi Mine Clearance Project in Yemen (MASAM), launched in June 2018 by KSrelief, is a humanitarian initiative to remove randomly planted mines in Yemen, implemented by Saudi cadres and international experts.

Q5. How many explosives has MASAM removed?

A5. Since its launch, MASAM has removed 443,452 planted explosives in various parts of Yemen and cleared 56,636,614 cubic meters of land, significantly enhancing civilian safety.

Q6. How many mine clearance specialists has MASAM trained?

A6. MASAM has contributed to building the capabilities of 400 mine clearance specialists, enhancing local capacity to address the dangers of unexploded ordnance in Yemen.

Q7. What agreement did KSrelief sign with Azerbaijan?

A7. KSrelief signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Azerbaijan National Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) to provide financial support for clearing Azerbaijani lands of mines, fostering bilateral cooperation.

Q8. What grant did KSrelief extend to Iraq?

A8. In April 2024, KSrelief extended a grant to Iraq to finance survey projects and the removal of cluster munitions and mines in several governorates, aiding post-conflict recovery.

Q9. What is the prosthetic limbs program in Yemen?

A9. The prosthetic limbs program in Yemen, established by KSrelief, manufactures and provides prosthetic devices for amputated limbs and organizes rehabilitation programs, benefiting 3,496,500 individuals.

Q10. How many humanitarian projects has KSrelief conducted?

A10. KSrelief has conducted 2,925 humanitarian projects in 99 countries, valued at $6.824 billion, covering vital sectors such as food, education, health, shelter, nutrition, water, and environmental sanitation.

Q11. Who are KSrelief’s partners in these projects?

A11. KSrelief collaborates with 180 partners from international, regional, and local organizations to implement its humanitarian projects effectively and efficiently across various sectors.

Q12. What is the Middle East Green Initiative?

A12. The Middle East Green Initiative, announced by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and valued at $2.5 billion, aims to lead the Kingdom and the region in protecting land and nature and addressing environmental challenges.

Q13. Why is mine clearance important for civilians?

A13. Mine clearance protects civilians, particularly women and children, from the dangerous effects of explosives, provides a safe environment, preserves public health, and reduces the impact of mines on society.

Q14. What sectors do KSrelief’s projects encompass?

A14. KSrelief’s projects encompass vital sectors such as food, education, health, shelter, nutrition, water, environmental sanitation, and others, addressing the diverse needs of affected populations.

Q15. How does Saudi Arabia’s aid reflect its global role?

A15. Saudi Arabia’s substantial aid, including mine clearance efforts, reflects its leadership in humanitarian diplomacy, fosters international cooperation, and contributes to global stability and prosperity.

Q16. What theme guided the Baku conference?

A16. The conference theme was “Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for a Safe and Green Future,” focusing on environmental and safety aspects of mine action.

Q17. How does mine clearance align with Vision 2030?

A17. Mine clearance aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting social responsibility, global engagement, and environmental sustainability, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a safer, greener future.

Q18. What environmental benefits come from mine clearance?

A18. Mine clearance restores land for productive use, protects ecosystems, and supports environmental sustainability, aligning with the Middle East Green Initiative’s goals.

Q19. How many countries has KSrelief assisted?

A19. KSrelief has assisted 99 countries through its 2,925 humanitarian projects, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s wide-reaching humanitarian impact and commitment to global welfare.

Q20. What is the significance of the prosthetic limbs program?

A20. The prosthetic limbs program provides high-quality prosthetic devices and rehabilitation for amputees, restoring mobility and dignity to 3,496,500 beneficiaries, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s compassionate humanitarian approach.

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