Switzerland again donates for demining activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
ITF received a donation from Switzerland, one of the most regular supporters of the ITF, in the amount of 300.000 CHF. The donation agreement was signed on 16 April 2010 at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ljubljana, by H.E. Stefan Speck, Swiss Ambassador to
International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) received a donation from Switzerland, one of the most regular supporters of the ITF, in the amount of 300.000 CHF. The donation agreement was signed on 16 April 2010 at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ljubljana, by H.E. Stefan Speck, Swiss Ambassador to Slovenia and Mr. Dorijan Marši?, ITF Director. The 2010 donation is earmarked for demining activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina which will be carried out by the “Norwegian People's Aid” (NPA), or more precisely to support two NPA`s demining teams (altogether 18 deminers), from January to December 2010. In total, Switzerland has contributed to ITF more than 4.5 million US$ for demining activities in South East Europe and remains one of the most regular and recurring donors to the ITF since 1999.
Demining activities remain one of the most necessary conditions for socio-economic development of the mine contaminated countries, especially in Bosnia in Herzegovina, which is one of the most mine contaminated countries in the world.
Due to economic situation, Bosnia and Herzegovina is not capable to individually support mine action and so still needs the help of organizations such as the ITF and the donor community. Support of Switzerland in the field of demining activities is an important step forward towards achieving a common goal - "a world, where the security of individuals and communities is assured."
Since the start of operations ITF has, together with support of donor community, cleared more than 55 million square meters of mine suspected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina.