Summary
The scope and density of the landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) problem in Egypt has a serious impact on development, particularly as it expands to facilitate the large population growth forecast for the next 15 to 20 years. The pressure to increase land usage is considerable, placing an ever-growing number of people close to mine-infested areas. This puts additional burdens on the economic efforts of the country, as the threat of landmines continues to restrict opportunities to gain benefits from land usage.
The Government has made clear links between mine clearance and its plans for the large-scale development of the North West Coast area. One of the key challenges is that most projects will require demining support before any activity can be safely undertaken.
Each year, UN entities, nongovernmental organizations, national and local authorities and donors collaborate to assemble a national portfolio of mine action project proposals that together reflect the strategic response developed in the field to all aspects of the problem of landmines and explosive remnants of war. A Country Portfolio Coordinator, usually a representative of a UN agency or a national authority, coordinates meetings where all mine action actors agree on a set of projects and priorities and determine funding needs. The proposals in each country's portfolio are assembled with those of other participating countries and published jointly by the UN Mine Action Service, the UN Development Programme and UNICEF in an annual "Portfolio of Mine Action Projects." This publication serves as a tool for collaborative resource mobilization, coordination and planning of mine action activities. The Egypt Country Portfolio Team's funding appeal for mine action projects in 2007 totals US $5,393,534.
Scope of the Problem
The major source of contamination from explosive remnants of war in Egypt can be traced back more than 60 years to World War II, as well as to the Egypt-Israel wars of 1956, 1967 and 1973. Contamination affects an estimated 2,680 square kilometers of land in the North West Coast.
Very few mined areas are marked or mapped. Egyptian civilians continue to use mine- and UXO-contaminated areas for cultivation, grazing, infrastructure projects and housing. Between 1999 and 2002, at least 70 new mine or UXO casualties were reported.
The total number of casualties is not known. According to "Landmine Monitor," landmines and UXO have claimed 8,313 casualties (697 killed and 7,616 injured), of which 5,015 were civilians. These figures, however, are believed to apply only to casualties occurring in the Western Desert since 1982.
Coordination and Consultation
The Ministry of International Cooperation (MIC) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) have established the Executive Secretariat for Mine Clearance and the Development of the North West Coast. It is the main body responsible for coordinating and monitoring development plans for the region and related mine action activities. It augments and builds upon the current national institutional and operational framework, which includes the National Committee for North West Coast Development and Mine Clearance.
The committee is chaired by the Minister of International Cooperation, and operates as an oversight and coordination mechanism for mine action activities under the development plan. It comprises 20 ministries, four governorates and five non-governmental organizations.
Strategy
MIC and UNDP established the Executive Secretariat for Mine Clearance and the Development of the North West Coast in recognition of the fact that demining is no longer only a humanitarian issue, but also a major developmental concern.
Towards the large-scale development of the region, UNDP has supported the Ministry of Planning in formulating a US $10 billion development programme. The various proposals under consideration could have a considerable impact not only on the North West Coast, but also on the national economy as a whole. About 400,000 jobs could be created, and about 1.5 million people should be able to move into the area by 2022.
Strategic support to mine action in Egypt should therefore be looked at as a five- to six-year programme enabling the North West Coast development plan to move forward, leading in turn to the region's economic transformation.
On the operational level, the secretariat is engaging the Egyptian Army to undertake mine clearance operations. The Army has the experience and capacity as needed. UNDP is facilitating the exchange of experiences between the Egyptian Army and other countries’ national mine action programmes as part of the ongoing UNDP Mine Action Management Training Programme.
The secretariat is also engaging with national and international civil society organizations, mainly for mine risk education and victim assistance. It incorporates their perspectives in mine action plans.
Date Anti-Personnel Mine-Ban Treaty signed: N/A
Date of Anti-Personnel Mine-Ban Treaty ratification or accession: N/A
Consents to be bound by Protocol II of Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons: N/A
Consents to be bound by Amended Protocol II of Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons: N/A
Date signed Protocol V of Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons: N/A