Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has announced the suspension of its mine clearance activities in Afghanistan following a directive from the U.S. State Department halting funding under an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump. This move could significantly disrupt demining operations in Afghanistan and other affected regions.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 2, NPA revealed that their activities in Afghanistan and 11 other countries, including Angola, Cambodia, Iraq, Kosovo, Laos, Palau, Peru, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Yemen, would be halted for a period of 85 days. This suspension impacts critical mine clearance efforts, which are vital for reducing global poverty, enhancing security, and fostering economic stability.
The organization expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of the halt, emphasizing that demining is a key component in rebuilding war-torn regions. NPA officials remain hopeful that the new U.S. administration will continue to prioritize this essential work and seek solutions to restore funding for the operations.
In 2023 alone, 7,000 people were reported injured or killed due to landmines and cluster munitions. NPA is engaging with U.S. authorities and other stakeholders to find alternative funding sources and resume their life-saving operations.
The suspension highlights the vulnerability of humanitarian programs to political shifts, underscoring the need for consistent international support to maintain global safety and stability.
