UNMAS would like to assure you that, thanks to robust business continuity plans (BCP) that account for the COVID -19 pandemic, operations are continuing in some field programmes.
Whether UNMAS operates as a component of peacekeeping or special political mission, or as a member of the country team, our programmes conform to the United Nations Designated Official’s security and programme criticality requirements.
Currently, all key posts in UNMAS field programmes are staffed either in person or through telecommuting arrangements. UNMAS has also started to include virus prevention practices in its community liaison and risk education activities. That said, some tasks are being modified to respond to local travel or movement restrictions and WHO and UN guidelines on preventing potential virus transmission. UNMAS is monitoring the impact of the virus on United Nations mine action operations on a daily basis and is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Heeding the words of the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, the United Nations Mine Action Service supports efforts to provide education, solidarity, compassion, cooperation and kindness to all people living in conflict and post-conflict settings as they face the COVID 19 pandemic.
UNMAS continues to carry out operations and planning where it can, emphasizing the needs of the most vulnerable; women, children and people with disabilities, and prioritizing the clearance of health facilities and access to these facilities.
One UN, together.
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Some examples of UNMAS Assistance:
- Somalia
- In the area of risk education, our programme in Somalia took the initiative to educate the at-risk population about COVID-19 so that they can be more informed about how to protect themselves from the virus.
- Sudan
- After the Government of Sudan announced the COVID-19 outbreak as a public health emergency, UNMAS in coordination with National Mine Action Center convened an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Health to suggest the use of Mine Risk Education teams to disseminate COVID-19 awareness messages, including personal hygiene and social distancing, which was welcomed by the health ministry.
- Today, JASMAR, one of the UNMAS implementing partners is disseminating COVID-19 awareness messages along with explosive ordnance risk education in South Kordofan state.