MAG began in 1989, following the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, where the problems of landmines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO) were most evident.
In those early days, our role was as an 'advisory' group seeking to influence the international community to respond to the needs of countries affected by the remnants of conflict.
Between 1989 and 1991, MAG conducted several surveys and assessments, beginning with Afghanistan and later in Cambodia. The subsequent reports had a profound international impact. Further missions were conducted and MAG published or contributed to much-needed reports on northern Iraq, Somaliland, Angola and elsewhere.
As a leading exponent in bringing about a ban on the production, use and export of landmines, MAG and other key non-governmental organisations (NGOs) founded the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) in 1992.
MAG conducted research and provided the technical field expertise required when speaking about the issues on an international platform. In addition, MAG was a founding member of the UK Working Group on Landmines. As the campaign gathered momentum, MAG had already begun providing assistance in several countries affected by landmines and UXO.
Following its mission to northern Iraq in 1991, MAG was successful in raising funds for its first clearance programme there which began in mid-1992. In the same year, we set up our programme in Cambodia and by 1994 had started programmes in Lao PDR and Angola.
Innovation
Ever-innovative in our approach, MAG introduced the concept of Mine Awareness, which has now developed into Mine Risk Education (MRE), ensuring that those living with the threat of being maimed or killed, both during and following conflict, could learn and understand how to minimise that risk.
Not only did MAG use MRE in its programmes, but it also provided this support in countries such as Rwanda and in refugee camps in Zambia and the former Zaire.
By the end of 1996, MAG's board of trustees invited Lou McGrath, who had administered the charity in its early days and played a key role in its technical research, to become its executive director.
As an incorporated charity, governed by both English Charity and Company Law, the organisation moved its international headquarters to the city of Manchester. Its business-like approach met with wide approval from donors, partners, and the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
People-focused solutions
In 1997, MAG played a leading role in bringing together mine action NGOs to define the objectives and role of Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA). This specified the need for a comprehensive and structured approach to clearance, including surveying and education in the process.
MAG has been a forceful advocate in calling for HMA to be a key part of peace-building and development in all countries where mines and ordnance restrict populations.
In the mid-1990s, MAG introduced Community Liaison to its HMA operations. Teams co-ordinate with local authorities, those dealing in health, food security, relief and development, and the communities themselves, to ensure that clearance work is focused in the most urgent areas. MAG undertakes a people-focused solution to clearance.
We recognise and implement the most effective methods to assist communities affected by conflict – in particular, through the clearance of landmines, weapons and explosive remnants from past and existing conflicts, that restrict or affect development, health, economic opportunity, safety and security.
Weapons disposal and security
Since 2005, MAG has continuously been looking for more effective ways of dealing with the overall risks from Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), which are a real hindrance to peace and security, and to relief and development activities.
MAG now uses the term Conventional Weapons Management and Disposal (CWMD) to refer to its work in support of weapons and ammunition disposal, and security. This includes dealing with SALW, plus items such as aircraft bombs, large calibre artillery, mortar ammunition and rockets.
As well as direct clearance activities and Physical Security and Stockpile Management, MAG is also involved in capacity building and training.
MAG is currently undertaking CWMD projects in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Swaziland.
Methodologies
MAG has developed a broad range of methods to its work including; the multi-skilled, flexible and mobile Mine Action Teams, the use of mine detection/explosive detection dogs, a variety of manual and deep-search detectors, midi/mini flails, mechanical vegetation cutters, agricultural and plant machinery, new Explosive Ordnance Disposal technologies and the pioneering village assisted clearance teams in Laos.
MAG continues to carry out research and trials in all areas of its work, and provides survey and assessments on request.
Donors
MAG celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2010. During this time, MAG has become one of the most respected humanitarian agencies involved in mine and UXO clearance. We have not done this alone.
To all of our donors we say thank you for your trust and support; together we have achieved so much.
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