Kazakhstan
Problem statement
Kazakhstan has expressed support for the Mine Action Treaty’s humanitarian objectives, but has previously cited the perceived need for antipersonnel mines to protect its border as the reasons it has not yet joined. In May 2011, Kazakhstan said that “Taking into account its close proximity to unstable regions and existing threat of international terrorism, Kazakhstan, while addressing the issues related to landmines, proceeds from the necessity to reconcile the interests of national security and economic potential of the State and humanitarian aspects as well«.
Kazakhstan suffers from a vast amount of outdated, unserviceable and hazardous for storage ammunition left behind after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. These stockpiles pose a serious threat to human security due to the proximity of land used for housing, and more crucially inadequate storage conditions, resulting in theft, smuggling, infrastructure deterioration and other challenges of Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM). This fact was painfully visible with the latest explosions in Arys and Taraz.
What we do
Capacity Building
In Kazakhstan the role of ITF includes consulting and creation of best practices in advancing safety and security of munitions management. While the role is focused on destruction of surplus weapons and ammunition, other aspects as transport, logistics, environmental protection, and inclusivity are being addressed through the disposal process.
Destruction of Surplus Weapons and Ammunition
The disposal of surplus weapons and ammunition began in late 2021 with a thorough evaluation of the needs, requirements, and current conditions in Kazakhstan. In March 2022 a call for offer was placed to start addressing the disposal of anti-tank landmines and artillery ammunition, with future plans to destroy over 300,000,000 items of ammunition.