Liability and insurance in mine action is not a new topic. It is, however, a relatively neglected area. Improvements in land release methodologies and more frequent contracting of demining capacity have increased interest in, and the importance of, both liability and insurance over recent years. Since 2009, the GICHD has offered training courses in mine action contracting to national mine action authorities. Liability and insurance have generated particular interest and discussion among participants in these courses, which resulted in the decision to develop the present Guide.

The Guide is mainly aimed at assisting national directors and national mine action programmes in decision-making, programme planning, and research, but will also be of benefit to commercial and non-profit demining operators. The first part of this publication covers the issue of liability in mine action while the second discusses the acquisition and maintenance of insurance cover for mine action operations and programmes. The second part replaces the previous Guide to Insurance for Mine Action Operators (GICHD 2004). The Guide was developed in cooperation with the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law, which provided expert input on liability, as well as with other individuals, organisations and mine action programmes with experience in the insurance industry.