Statement from NPA: All of NPA's US-funded activities are put on pause
The Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has been instructed by the U.S. Department of State to immediately halt all operations and activities associated with U.S. funding due to President Trump’s executive order to freeze all US foreign assistance for an 85-day review period.
Consequently, all US-funded Mine Action and Disarmament activities in the following 12 allies and partner countries of the US, are now put on hold: Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, Iraq, Kosovo, Lao PDR, Palau, Peru, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Yemen. Other activities resume as normal.
Mine Action is an effective measure to reduce global poverty and promote security, economic development and stability. Mines and other ERW pose a serious threat to people, livelihoods and development for decades after conflict. There were close to 7000 casualties from landmines and cluster munitions worldwide in 2023.
Mine Action falls under the American security assistance program and is an activity that has historically had strong bipartisan support in the US. In 2024, NPA received approximately 41 million USD in funding from US government agencies to life-saving activities.
NPA is awaiting further guidance from American authorities regarding the implications of the directive for affected staff, partners, and ongoing projects. We remain hopeful that the new administration will continue to prioritize this vital work, and are entering into dialogue with US authorities and other affected actors with the aim of continuing our partnership for safe, mine-free communities.
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