Fondation Suisse de Déminage
| File:Logofsd.jpg | |
| Company type | Non-Governmental Organisation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Landmine relief |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Global |
Key people | Henri Leu - President, Hansjoerg Eberle - Director General [1] |
| Website | fsd.ch |
The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) is a Swiss non-governmental organisation. "FSD" stands for Fondation Suisse de Déminage, the French name of the organisation). FSD is politically, ideologically and religiously independent. FSD is based in Geneva and operates a logistical and administative support office in Manila. From 2005 FSD was joined by its French partner FSD France, and from 2007 by CROSSTECH SA, a mine action company which is fully owned by the FSD.
Mission
FSD's focus is on locating and destroying landmines and unexploded ordnance to prevent accidents. FSD’s overarching aim is to alleviate and diminish the social, economic and environmental impacts of landmines and unexploded ordnance, thus creating favourable conditions for the reconstruction and development of war-torn countries. [2]
World-wide operation
In 2007, FSD has led demining operations in Lebanon, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka and Laos, as well as Sudan and Burundi. Previously, FSD has intervened in Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, Albania, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, the Philippines, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and elsewhere.
FSD intervenes typically in three different contexts:
During armed conflicts
Humanitarian aid is often the only lifeline for thousands of people struggling to survive. Professional delivery of humanitarian assistance, access to aid recipients, and safety for aid workers are essential prerequisites. FSD provides mine action expertise and assistance to partner organisations and other humanitarian actors as emergency humanitarian operations are planned an implemented.
During the transitional and recovery phase after an armed conflict
A priority for governments and non-state actors emerging from violent conflict is to build confidence so that peace can be sustained. This means that national authorities and aid agencies need to repatriate refugees and to extend humanitarian assistance and government services into former conflict areas.
Landmines and other explosive remnants of war often hamper the mobility of government officials, politicians, election officials, returnees, and relief and development agency personnel. Landmines obstruct the peace-building stages of post-war societies and thereby exacerbate the threat of a return to violent conflict.
National elections are another important factor in reconciling post-conflict countries. Governments need legitimacy and want as many voters as possible to show up at voting centres. Many voters, however, can only participate once they have safe access to voting centres.
During development phases
Landmines and other explosive remnants of war continue to threaten, maim and kill indiscriminately long after hostilities have ended. Landmines impede post-conflict reconstruction and economic development. Mine clearance is required before fields can be planted, drinking water can be made available, and schools can be built.
Sources of funds
Major sources of financing are public and private funds, but also multi-lateral organisations, like in Sudan where the programme is supported by UN MAO (United Nations Mine Action Organisation) and CHF International, or in Tajikistan where the funding is coordinated through OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe). In 2007, FSD was also funded by ECHO for the clearance of cluster bombs in southern Lebanon. Other major donors include World Food Programme, the United Nations Office for Project Services, the United Nations Mine Action Service, the United Nations Development Programme, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the governments of Australia, United States of America, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Taiwan and South Korea, Swiss cantons and cities, foundations and private donators.
As a foundation under Swiss law, the FSD operates under the supervision of the Swiss federal authorities. Its accounts are audited by KPMG which took over from PricewaterhouseCoopers starting in 2007. The FSD has held the ZEWO quality label certifying its reliabilitysince 2003.[3]
FSD France
In 2005, the FSD was joined by its French partner, the FSD France. This independent, neutral organisation is subject to the French 1901 law on associations. The purpose of this new organisation is to extend the humanitarian mine clearance activities already carried out by the FSD into other sectors such as Mine Risk Education and Victim Assistance. Implementing projects under the mandate of the European Commission and promoting mine action in the French speaking part of the world are also among its aims.[3]
See also
- Ottawa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty)
- Mine clearance agencies
- Demining
External links