The UN has maintained a Rule of Law and Security Programme in Somalia since 1997 in the hope of restoring a peaceful and secure environment for social and economic recovery. The detection and removal of landmines and other explosive devices is essential to the restoration of community land and resources to safe, productive use. The UN is helping to develop local capacity to survey high risk areas and demine them. Mine action centres for the training of local personnel are now operational in Somaliland and Puntland. Mine Action capacity building is also underway in Jowhar in the South/Central region.

Local deminers in Jowhar prepare to destroy explosives recovered from surrounding areas.

(UN Photo 2005) Credit must be given with use.