German Minebreaker 2000. The Minebreaker       2000 mine removal system uses speed,       impact and mass to destroy mines using       a re-geared Leopard Tank Chassis, which       moves at farm tractor speeds. The cost       to buy and operate such equipment,       however, is quite prohibitive

 Long after treaties are signed, institutions are built and a new peaceful state emerges in Afghanistan, landmines will remain in the ground, quietly waiting for the next victim, leaving kilometers of land unproductive and uninhabited.

Two decades of war and internal conflict has left an estimated 5 to 7 million anti-personnel landmines in Afghanistan, making the country one of the most heavily mine-affected countries in the world. Some as small as a can of shoe polish, anti-personnel landmines are designed to wait for a victim and can remain active for decades.

The socio-economic impact of landmines is the most devastating aftermath of the conflict in Afghanistan. Landmines are placed indiscriminately in rural and urban areas. Roads, irrigation systems, agricultural and grazing lands are affected long after war ends. Repatriation of refugees is seriously affected if not impossible because of the presence of landmines. Fertile farming land can remain untouched by the local community if even one landmine is thought to exist in the area.

The lack of proper health care facilities only exacerbates a population when an estimated 50% of victims die and 10-12 people a day are killed or maimed by landmines.

The "sifter" portion of the Minebreaker 2000 System       is another mechanized alternative to mine-removal       by people and dogs, but comes at prices that the       crippled Afghan economy cannot afford.

More than 100,000 landmine survivors are in Afghanistan, the majority are men between the ages of 18-40. These men, once disabled, may not be able to provide for their families. In a country where there is no formal economy and limited victim assistance programs, this creates additional strain to social and economic development.

Removing landmines, thus returning to use land, facilities and roads, is a priority for development efforts in Afghanistan. Successful de-mining efforts are underway. In addition, the Taliban and opposition forces have acknowledged the need to ban the use and stockpiling of landmines. In October of 1998, the Taliban issued a statement strongly condemning the use of landmines as an "unIslamic and anti-human act." While not a signatory to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, the Taliban express strong support for the total ban of landmine production, stockpiling and use.

However, political conflict inhibits the positive impact of de-mining as all sides reportedly continue laying landmines. According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmine’s Landmine Monitor Report 1999, all sides have stockpiles of antipersonnel mines, leftovers from jihad where the U.S.-provided landmines to the Mujahideen, and the Soviets to pro-Soviet Afghan governments.

Afghan NGOs play a crucial role in de-mining and mine awareness. The Afghan Campaign to Ban Landmines (ACBL), founded in 1995, is a non-governmental organization composed of national and international NGOs working in Afghanistan. ACBL is a member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) that was co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.

Sayed Aqa, Chairperson of ACBL, comments, “ACBL works to promote awareness in the international community of the landmine crisis in Afghanistan, provide support to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and to assist in raising funds for de-mining and advocacy work in Afghanistan.” Aqa is also the Director of Field Operations for the Survey Action Center Chair of the ICBL Mine Action Working Group.

ACBL and other mine action Afghan NGOs promote sustainability by removing landmines as well as contributing to current economic development. Aqa explains, “It is estimated that at the current level of funding it will take another 5 to 6 years to clear all high-priority areas. The efforts of mine action NGOs is sustainable and helps in peace building as it provides employment opportunities for a large number of unemployed local people.” Currently, approximately 4,000 Afghans are employed by various mine action NGOs.

Another objective of ACBL is to persuade the warring factions in Afghanistan to stop using landmines.

The United Nations Mine Action Program for Afghanistan (MAPA) contributes significantly to mine clearance in Afghanistan. MAPA works in coordination with ACBL and other Afghan NGOs, employing approximately 4000 Afghans in mine clearance and other related issues. The 1998 Socio-Economic Impact Study (SIES) of Mine Operations in Afghanistan indicates that successful clearance of grazing and livestock areas, agricultural lands, roads and irrigation systems issued an estimated $54.4 million benefits annually. Employment opportunities have opened for 9,200 farmers and 535, 892 people have returned to their homes.

Combined efforts of these organizations resulted in a total of more than 4.6 million people receiving mine awareness training. Afghan authorities cooperate with de-mining efforts by providing security and cooperation with mine action Afghan NGOs.

Despite the success of these programs, de-mining is a tedious and dangerous endeavor. A June 1999 issue of BAN, an English-language newsletter of ACBL, indicates only 160 square kilometers have been cleared after a decade of de-mining. An estimated 700 square kilometers are waiting for clearance. To completely remove all landmines will take decades. There is no de-mining method or technology suitable for all terrain and safety for the de-miner cannot be 100% guaranteed.

Of all the challenges facing the future of Afghanistan, landmines present the greatest hurdle to development. Until there is comprehensive stability and the use of landmines is completely discontinued, the future of Afghanistan remains victim to unexploded ordnance in the ground.

Deonna Kelli is a graduate from East Carolina University, Greenville NC. She is also a coordinator of Association of Muslim Social Scientists. Her area of interests include the Afghan Region, Islam and Gender Studies. For Feedback, please e-mail dkelli@earthlink.net