The Landmines Working Group (LWG) promotes co-operation, collaboration and better communication among international NGOs and organisations working on programs and projects to help mitigate and neutralise the problems related to explosive remnants of war (ERW). Participating organisations have funded and implemented mine-action projects such as demining and ERW clearance, mine awareness, survey and survivor assistance and are involved in follow-up development projects in areas cleared of ordnance.
The LWG was founded in 1995 in order to provide a forum for international NGOs and other stakeholders in mine action to come together to share their experiences, present research findings, and discuss possible future collaboration. The group's active member organisations are engaged in or associated with mine action activities such as clearance and surveying, survivor assistance and rehabilitation, mine risk education and other integrated development programs, including resettlement initiatives.
The LWG is organised in collaboration with the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre and is dedicated to promoting cooperation among international NGOs and other stakeholders active in the various fields of mine action within and outside Vietnam. It strives to meet these key objectives:
- Give organisations working in the field of mine action a recognised representative forum, in which organisations who specialize in clearance meet those who specialise in education, livelihoods, survivor assistance and so forth with a common voice to exchange information and experiences, discuss program issues, and seek assistance to raise the profile of mine action in Vietnam to national and international stakeholders, including INGOs, donors and embassies, partners, mass organisations and Vietnamese authorities.
- Facilitate frequent communication among mine action organisations to promote understanding, seek opportunities of cooperation, and support the common efforts of group members in program activities.
- Disseminate mine action information, documents, reports, etc... among member organisations through individual and common activities, including LWG quarterly meetings, email exchanges, the LWG website, and other activities.
- Collaborate and share experiences, technical expertise and lessons learnt among LWG members.
- Promote events such as dedication ceremonies, meetings, seminars, and training workshops among LWG members and others, where appropriate.
- Serve as a point of reference for interested parties seeking information and advice on mine action programs and activities in Vietnam.
For more information, please contact the current chair of the Group from MAG and UNDP Sarah Goring - MAG International - Country Director
Ms. Bui Phuong Tra at [email protected] [3]
UNDP - Chief Technical Advisor - Mine Action
Further Reading
- Landmines Working Group Terms of Reference - English [4]
- Landmine Working Group Resources and Links [5]