Mines Advisory Group (MAG)

Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is an international non-governmental organization committed to saving lives and building safer futures for communities affected by armed conflict and violence. Since its founding in 1989, MAG has worked in more than 40 countries to address the impact of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and other remnants of conflict, providing clearance and risk education to protect lives and promote development.

Mission and Vision

Mission: MAG is dedicated to reclaiming land contaminated by conflict remnants, such as landmines and unexploded bombs, to create safe environments for men, women, and children. The organization seeks to reduce the daily risk of injury or death faced by civilians and to enable communities to live in safety and security.

Vision: A safe and secure future for all people affected by armed violence and conflict, where communities are free from the fear and impact of explosive remnants of war.

Core Areas of Work

MAG’s efforts focus on creating conditions for safe and secure living through several key activities:

1. Land Clearance and Mine Action

MAG clears land contaminated with the remnants of war, including landmines, cluster munitions, bombs, shells, and mortars. By reclaiming this land, MAG ensures that it can be safely used for farming, infrastructure development, and community activities, contributing to the long-term socio-economic growth of affected regions.

2. Risk Reduction and Education

The organization provides risk education to communities, teaching people how to recognize and avoid dangerous remnants of conflict. This life-saving information helps to reduce the daily threat posed by unexploded ordnance, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions to stay safe.

3. Support for Development and Peacebuilding

MAG’s work is central to creating conditions where development can flourish. By clearing contaminated land, MAG makes way for infrastructure development, agricultural use, and access to essential services, contributing to the recovery and stabilization of post-conflict areas.

Achievements and Recognition

• Nobel Peace Prize: In 1997, MAG shared the Nobel Peace Prize as a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), recognizing its efforts to eliminate the use of landmines worldwide.
• Global Impact: MAG’s operations have extended across more than 40 countries, helping communities reclaim land, reduce risk, and rebuild safer futures.
• Empowerment and Community Engagement: MAG works closely with affected communities, local governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that its activities are effective, culturally appropriate, and tailored to the specific needs of each region.

Approach and Methods

MAG employs a holistic approach to mine action and community safety, emphasizing:

• Community Engagement: Working directly with communities to understand their needs, raise awareness of the risks, and tailor clearance operations accordingly.
• Technical Expertise: Deploying highly trained teams equipped to safely locate, remove, and destroy landmines, unexploded ordnance, and other remnants of conflict.
• Collaboration and Advocacy: Partnering with international organizations, governments, and civil society to promote global policies that protect civilians from landmines and explosive remnants of war.

How to Get Involved

MAG encourages individuals, institutions, and governments to support their mission through donations, advocacy, and collaboration. To learn more about how you can contribute to their efforts:

• Get Involved: Explore options for supporting MAG’s work, from fundraising to volunteering.

Connect with MAG

To stay informed about MAG’s life-saving work, global impact, and ways to support their mission, connect through their online platforms:

• Official Website: Learn about MAG’s global operations, impact, and ongoing efforts to save lives.
• LinkedIn: Professional updates and organizational insights.
• Facebook: Updates on activities, events, and stories from the field.
• Instagram: Visual stories showcasing MAG’s work, community impact, and global initiatives.

FAQs

1. What is the primary mission of MAG?
MAG’s mission is to save lives and build safer futures by clearing land contaminated with landmines, bombs, and other remnants of conflict, providing risk education, and supporting community development in conflict-affected regions.

2. How does MAG contribute to peace and development?
By clearing explosive remnants of war, MAG makes land safe for use, enabling agricultural activities, infrastructure development, and access to services, all of which are critical for sustainable development and peacebuilding.

3. In which countries does MAG work?
MAG has operated in over 40 countries worldwide, focusing on regions affected by conflict and violence. Its programs are tailored to the specific needs of each community, working to clear contaminated land and provide safety education.

4. How is MAG connected to the Nobel Peace Prize?
MAG shared the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize as a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), honoring its commitment to eliminating landmines and protecting civilian lives.

5. How can individuals support MAG’s work?
Individuals can support MAG by donating, fundraising, or spreading awareness about the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance. Visit MAG’s website to learn more about how to get involved.