Lebanon’s Defense Minister signs mine action support agreement with UNDP and donor countries

Lebanon’s Defense Minister Michel Menassa met at his office in Yarzeh on with the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program in Lebanon, Blerta Aliko, in the presence of representatives from donor countries and entities, including the European Union, the Netherlands, Norway, and Japan.

During the meeting, a support agreement was signed for the Lebanese Mine Action Center covering the period from 2026 to 2030.

The agreement aims to strengthen the center’s institutional capacity, expand humanitarian demining and unexploded ordnance clearance operations, reduce risks to civilians, support awareness programs, and assist victims. It also aims to accelerate the rehabilitation of affected land and promote stability and development in impacted areas.

The UNDP Resident Representative said Lebanon is facing growing humanitarian and development challenges due to contamination from unexploded ordnance, especially with the recent escalation of conflict, which is increasing pressure on national institutions. 

She stressed the importance of partnership with the Lebanese Mine Action Center to strengthen demining efforts and build national capacity, describing the program as a long-term investment in stability supported by international partners.

For his part, the defense minister said the project represents an important step in strengthening cooperation with UNDP and donor countries and in supporting the implementation of the national mine action strategy. 

He emphasized the need for continued international support to address this ongoing issue and praised the contributions of friendly countries in protecting civilians, enabling their safe return, and enabling the use of their land and property.