Annual Report 2021

In 2021 the GICHD supported 43 countries and territories – thanks to contributions from 27 donors. COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions radically changed the way we were able to deliver our services, with digital and remote becoming new key words. Such adaptations were challenging, yet they further solidified the Centre’s capacities. Thus, remote support will complement more traditional modes of intervention also in the post-pandemic reality.

Strengthening our partners’ knowledge and skills base is one of our fundamental commitments. This support has been provided in various forms and across the Centre’s manifold areas of expertise. Our needs-driven approach ensures that our support builds on detailed needs assessments, thus assuring tailored, effective and efficient responses to specific challenges.

The GICHD devotes significant resources to research and development, generating knowledge, good practice guidelines, and tools constituting the basis for constant improvements and effective actions. Some research and development products are of global relevance; of particular mention – the Guide to Explosive Ordnance Pollution of the Environment as well as the Guide on homemade explosives. Other research focuses on specific countries such as, for example, case studies on the contribution of mine action to sustainable development in Cambodia and Colombia or specific themes, such as gender and operational efficiency, information management, and explosive ordnance risk education.

The GICHD continues to support the implementation of international humanitarian law conventions by providing expert input and helping to develop global standards in both mine action and ammunition management. Moreover, the Centre’s expertise is an intrinsic part of policy processes relating to conventional arms and ammunition. Thus, the United Nations General Assembly-mandated Group of Governmental Experts tasked to examine problems arising from the accumulation of conventional ammunition stockpiles in surplus, was able to conclude its work in September 2021 with a consensus report and recommendations. Finally, the GICHD continues to promote dialogue and cooperation at the regional level through its regional cooperation programmes, disseminating good practice, key tools and resources adapted to regional needs.

Working towards our goal of a mine-free world would not be possible without the support of our donors and without the expertise and commitment of our co-workers. Our sincere thanks to each and every one.

Over the course of 2021, the GICHD continued to strengthen and adapt its broad approach to innovation across work areas:

Training digitally across the globe

Accessibility and adaptation helped the GICHD continue global capacity-building efforts. In 2021, the Centre reached over 2,190 learners from 80 countries through mixed training formats: self-paced, virtual or in-person instructor-led, and blended courses. Continual improvements are in development to scale up digital learning and enhance accessibility through the new learning management system to be launched in 2022.

Fostering technological advances

Through our 8th Mine Action Technology Workshop in 2021, the GICHD brought together 203 developers, researchers, national authorities, commercial enterprises and operators from 38 countries to advance the use of technology in three key areas: land release, explosive ordnance risk education (EORE), and information management systems. This is a rare opportunity for technological innovators and mine action experts from around the world to exchange ideas and expertise to promote innovation.

Innovating for better outcomes in communities

Field trials in Cambodia in 2021 gave promising results, showing that the Swiss Mine Action Reduction Tool (SMART) system and technical survey dogs can help save lives and release land, getting people back on safe ground as quickly as possible without compromising safety. Using the innovative SMART kit, an intelligent backpack with a GPS, camera, speaker, and beacon drop system, trained dogs are guided by experts to identify mines. In tests facilitated by partners APOPO and Cambodian Mine Action Centre, over 2 million square metres have already been searched, with no explosive items being missed, a low level of false alarms, and zero accidents involving dogs or people. The GICHD developed this technology in partnership with Digger DTR.

Environmental considerations around explosive ordnance risk reduction continue to gain ever-greater attention. The GICHD has contributed to research on the matter, with the publication in 2021 of a Guide to Explosive Ordnance Pollution of the Environment, seeking to raise awareness on the environmental harm caused by explosive ordnance. Rooted firmly in scientific research, the guide assists mine action operators in applying all reasonable effort to minimise the pollution of the environment while not unduly inhibiting the immediate need to remove the blast and fragmentation hazard to civilians. The issues for the environment are also integrated in Iraq’s 2022–2028 Mine Action Strategy, recognising the devastating impact that the climate crisis has in many affected countries and to consider the environmental implications of mine action operations.

This renewed focus on environmental considerations in mine action builds upon previous work done by the GICHD, including the publication of an article in the James Madison University journal under a ‘do no harm’ perspective: Do No Harm in Mine Action: Why the Environment Matters. Another, published by Oxford University Press, examines the negative environmental impact of remnants of conflict and discusses the normative framework and good practice aimed to ensure that clearance does not further create environmental harm: Post-Conflict Mine Action: Environment and Law - Oxford Scholarship.

Showing the GICHD's strong commitment to reducing its environmental impact as set out in its Environmental Policy, the GICHD joined the 2050Today Initiative in 2021, which brings together a community of international institutions based in Geneva committed to ensuring a quick, continuous and measurable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from their own institutions. By joining the 2050Today Initiative, the GICHD commits to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions in a concrete, measurable and visible way: every year by 5%, at least a 50% reduction by 2030 and to reach net zero emissions by 2050.