This Study of Local Organisations in Mine Action, which was requested by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), is an assessment of the successes and failures of local mine action organisations, including their competence, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability. It examines how, and to what extent, national governments have encouraged and supported such organisations, and whether they have given priority or preferential treatment to such rganisations in issuing contracts or funding. It examines how much external assistance has been needed to reach the necessary standards of competence, and whether the newly-formed organisations have been able to implement national standards derived from the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), especially in the areas of quality management and financial transparency. It further considers whether the trained management capability derived from national organisations has been exploited in the formation of national mine action coordination centres or government demining commissions.