Port Sudan / Cairo – March 2026 – The Government of Japan has contributed US$173,333 to support an ongoing initiative led by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to protect civilians from explosive hazards and strengthen national mine action capacity in Sudan.
The project, “Scaling National Mine Action Capacity and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Response amid Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis,” will run from March 2026 to February 2027 and aims to deliver life-saving explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) to communities facing growing threats from landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Sudan is currently facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Since fighting erupted in April 2023, the widespread use of explosive weapons has left dangerous explosive remnants in populated areas. Today, an estimated 14 million people require mine action support, according to the 2026 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.
“Japan remains committed to protecting civilians and strengthening local capacities to address the dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance,” said Mr. Nakahara Takanobu, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Sudan. “Through this partnership with UNMAS, Japan is proud to support efforts that help communities return voluntarily and safely to their homes and rebuild their lives.”
Through Japan’s contribution, UNMAS will deliver risk education via in-person outreach to more than 100,000 people, including displaced persons, returnees, and children, while reaching over 500,000 individuals through community networks, media outreach, and awareness campaigns. These activities will help communities recognize explosive hazards and adopt safer behaviors, reducing the risk of deadly accidents.
In addition, the project will support the refurbishment of the Mine Action Training Center, Sudan’s only operational mine action training facility. Strengthening the center will enable the training and accreditation of dozens of mine action teams, helping expand Sudan’s ability to address the growing scale of explosive contamination.
“Japan’s generous support will help save lives by raising awareness of explosive hazards while strengthening Sudan’s national capacity to respond to this complex threat,” said Mr. Sediq Rashid, Chief of Mine Action Programme in Sudan at UNMAS.
UNMAS has worked in Sudan since 2002 to support survey and clearance of explosive hazards, risk education, and victim assistance while strengthening national institutions responsible for mine action. As displacement and returns continue across Sudan, mine action remains critical to enabling safe humanitarian access, protecting civilians, and supporting recovery.
Japan has long been a dedicated global supporter of humanitarian mine action and capacity-building initiatives. This new contribution continues Japan’s commitment to advancing human security and strengthening national ownership of mine action efforts.
UNMAS has worked in Sudan since 2002 to support survey and clearance of explosive hazards, risk education, and victim assistance while strengthening national institutions responsible for mine action. As displacement and returns continue across Sudan, mine action remains critical to enabling safe humanitarian access, protecting civilians, and supporting recovery. Japan has long been a dedicated global supporter of humanitarian mine action and capacity-building initiatives.
This new contribution continues Japan’s commitment to advancing human security and strengthening national ownership of mine action efforts.
Media contacts:
Embassy of Japan – Mr. Yuji Takahashi | Head of Economic Cooperation | yuji.takahashi@mofa.go.jp | +20 2 2528 5929
UNMAS Sudan – Mr. Mohammad Sediq Rashid | Chief of Mine Action Programme | rashid5@un.org | +249 11 001 0238
