The United Nations announced on Friday its reinforced support for the Lebanese Mine Action Center (LMAC) to clear explosive ordnance in southern Lebanon, making war-affected areas safe for families displaced by recent conflict to return home and rebuild their lives.

Critical Situation on the Ground

• Persistent Threats: Southern regions remain contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO)

• Immediate Dangers: These deadly remnants continue to kill civilians and hinder recovery efforts

• Urgent Need: Demining has become more crucial than ever despite the current ceasefire

UN Development Programme (UNDP) Statement Highlights

1. Frontline Operations: Norwegian People's Aid deminers are actively clearing lethal war remnants

2. Upcoming Expansion:

   • Scaling up clearance operations

   • Enhancing information-sharing systems

   • Expanding risk education campaigns

3. Long-term Vision: Accelerated demining enables Lebanon's path toward safety and stability

Historical Context

Lebanon's UXO contamination predates recent conflicts, resulting from:

• Four decades of protracted warfare

• Particularly severe contamination in southern territories

• 40+ million sqm of suspected hazardous areas

Operational Impact

 Enables safe agricultural/reactivation of land
 Restores freedom of movement for communities
 Prevents future casualties (78% of victims are civilians)