Resilience in action

How MAG teams are working in a changing world

In countries such as Myanmar, Ukraine, and Lebanon, MAG teams experienced, first-hand, the impact of war on their communities but persevered with their critical work.

The unwavering dedication, expertise, and resilience of MAG teams to help their local communities was a constant in 2024. In Ukraine, our landmine clearance experts and community teams got to work despite the on-going conflict, while in Gaza, we swiftly responded to the urgent need for emergency risk education which helps communities to identify and avoid unexploded bombs. 

As we move into 2025, it is clear that the need for MAG’s life-saving work remains critical. A staggering 58 countries remain contaminated by landmines, highlighting the enduring threat they pose to civilians worldwide.

Darren Cormack

MAG Chief Executive

MAG on the ground in Lebanon

The recent conflict forced over one million Lebanese people to flee their homes, including many MAG staff. 

A ceasefire was declared, and many started to return, only to find their communities devastated. Approximately 100,000 homes were destroyed. 

Ola Rizk, a senior deminer and mother of two, lost her home in the conflict. Ola, who has worked with MAG for 12 years, and her family fled their village to safety. She later learned that her apartment building had been completely destroyed.

“We’ve lost everything – almost all I have are a handful of clothes and my MAG uniform.

Despite the loss, Ola remains committed to helping her community. “The challenge is in my community and it’s at my front door. Happy is a strange word to use but it’s true, I am so happy to be able to have a role to play in fixing the problem so we can all return to normal”. 

“More than at any time in my career, I am motivated to do my work and to clear the contamination and save more people.”


"We were all very keen to resume operations. It is important to address both long-standing contamination and the recent risks caused by the latest conflict."


Kaiaza in Angola cleared of landmines

Thanks to the hard work of MAG teams and the dedication of MAG supporters, 22 years after the conflict ended Kaiaza is now mine free. 

Across the fields surrounding the community, MAG deminers meticulously cleared 319,415 square metres of land (the equivalent of 43 football pitches), removing 77 landmines and over 200 other dangerous hazards left by the decades old conflict.

With safe fertile farmland now available, people are returning to the village to grow food and start new businesses.

Mine clearance team in protective gear holds warning signs in a rural area, ensuring safety from landmines. Villagers watch nearby.

Our work ahead

Conflict continues to grip many communities around the world, with approximately a quarter of humanity living in conflict-affected areas. This unprecedented crisis demands our action.

Angola tragically demonstrates the immense effort required for post-conflict recovery. Decades of war have left millions of landmines scattered across the country, and despite MAG’s 30 years of dedicated work, the challenge remains significant.

MAG teams remain committed to the hard work of clearing landmines, enabling communities to reclaim their land for farming and homes. Today’s conflicts, like Angola’s civil war, can take decades for communities to recover from. 

With your generous support, MAG teams are committed to clearing landmines, enabling communities to reclaim their land and rebuild their lives.