Press Statement
John Kirby
Department of State Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 17, 2015
The United States welcomes Mozambique’s announcement today that it has completed clearance of all known fields of landmines in the country.
Since 1993, when Mozambique emerged from decades of conflict as one of the world’s most landmine-affected nations, the United States has been proud to partner with the people of Mozambique, investing more than $55 million toward improving the safety and security of local communities though the U.S. Conventional Weapons Destruction program.
Through that partnership — which includes the international donor community and humanitarian demining organizations — we have worked diligently to safely clear landmines and unexploded ordnance, prevent injuries through community outreach and education, and provide medical and social services to survivors of accidents involving these legacies of past conflicts.
The United States is proud to be the world’s leading provider of financial and technical assistance to help countries address this serious humanitarian challenge. Since 1993, we have invested nearly $2.5 billion in aid in more than 90 countries to decrease the threats posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war. Our efforts have dramatically reduced the world’s annual landmine casualty rate and helped 16 countries declare themselves landmine-free.
Humanitarian demining in places like Mozambique sets the stage for post-conflict recovery and development. It is another important way in which the United States promotes international peace and security.
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