Localization in Humanitarian Mine Action in Afghanistan

This report is available in English, Dari, and Pashto. Please click here to download the Dari and/or Pashto versions. 

Executive Summary

Afghanistan's prolonged conflicts have resulted in extensive explosive ordnance contamination, leading to the establishment of the Mine Action Programme of Afghanistan (MAPA) in 1989. MAPA has been instrumental in addressing the threats of landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERWs). However, post-August 2021, the MAPA has increased access to previously unreachable areas while facing severe funding and operational challenges. Recognizing these shifts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands initiated a study on localization in humanitarian mine action, focusing on Afghanistan. Conducted by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Mine Clearance Planning Agency (MCPA), this research aims to understand the evolving dynamics affecting MAPA and guide international stakeholders in supporting its lifesaving endeavors.

Coordination before August 2021 was perceived by many interviewees both INGO and NNGO, as well as UN, as working well, while acknowledging the strong support that was given to the Directorate of Mine Action Coordination (DMAC) in form of technical assistance by the UN and donor community. While several coordination mechanisms still exist in theory, the frequency of meetings has drastically reduced, and most meetings are called for ad hoc by DMAC - as a consequence of this reduced technical support from the UN. This means most actors are coordinating on bilateral basis with each other – this goes among Implementing Partners (IPs), as well as with DMAC. All of the IPs, national and international, express strong dissatisfaction with the irregularity of meetings. The current funding landscape presents a complex and challenging scenario, with organizations navigating a myriad of obstacles to continue their humanitarian efforts. It is a race against time, with organizations striving to maintain existing funding levels while seeking new donors. The need of the hour is a concerted effort from all stakeholders to break the existing deadlock and pave the way for a more collaborative and supportive funding environment. Partnerships and relationships form the bedrock of effective mine action operations, emphasizing mutual respect, honesty, and support. While there's a shared understanding of the importance of these partnerships, there exists a gap in actualizing them, often due to inherent power imbalances and top-down approaches. NNGOs, with their deep-rooted understanding of local contexts and long-standing ties with communities, are poised to offer unparalleled value. However, they often face challenges in accessing donors and gaining visibility. The essence of partnerships should be mutual growth, with INGOs facilitating NNGOs' access to donors and ensuring equitable sharing of resources and responsibilities.

The MAPA, with its rich history and expertise, stands as a testament to the capacity and capabilities of NNGOs in Afghanistan. However, the landscape of capacity enhancement has been marred by budget constraints, staff turnover, and a decline in technical training. The cessation of support from global entities has isolated MAPA from the broader mine action community, hindering its growth and evolution. The perspectives of various stakeholders, including INGOs, the UN, and NNGOs, highlight the need for a strategic shift in capacity enhancement approaches. The focus should be on continuous learning, exposure to global best practices, and most importantly ensuring the sustainability of NNGOs through adequate funding and technical support.

The mine action landscape in Afghanistan has undergone significant shifts, particularly post-August 2021. While coordination mechanisms were once robust, the current scenario reveals a decline in regularity and effectiveness of coordination meetings, leading to bilateral coordination efforts. The funding challenges further compound the situation, necessitating a unified approach to secure and optimize resources. Partnerships, though recognized as crucial, face implementation challenges, with NNGOs often sidelined despite their invaluable local insights. The MAPA's legacy and potential underscore the importance of continuous capacity enhancement, which has been hampered by various constraints. As the mine action community navigates these challenges, the overarching need is for collaborative efforts, equitable partnerships, and a renewed focus on capacity building, ensuring that the strides made in mine action in Afghanistan are not only preserved but also propelled forward.