The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian mine action across Southeast Asia.
The agreement, signed in Geneva on April 22, establishes a framework for collaboration between ARMAC and NPA Headquarters in Oslo, focusing on technical exchange, capacity development, innovation, and resource mobilisation at both national and regional levels.
The new partnership expands on a 2021 country-level MoU between ARMAC and NPA, elevating cooperation to the institutional level. It reflects a shared commitment to addressing the humanitarian and socio-economic impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) through partnership, knowledge-sharing and regional cooperation.
“We are proud to formalise this partnership with NPA, a respected global humanitarian mine action organisation. Together, we will strengthen support for ASEAN Member States and advance regional cooperation to build safer, more resilient communities,” said Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC.
“NPA is honored to sign this MoU with ARMAC, an institution at the heart of regional mine action efforts in ASEAN. Through this cooperation, we will share expertise and resources to help increase the protection of civilians from weapons, and contribute to stabilisation, peace and opportunities for development across the region,” said Rune Dale-Andresen, Director International Department at Norwegian People’s Aid.
Under the MoU, ARMAC and NPA will collaborate in areas including victim assistance, technical expertise in land release, risk education and national standards development, as well as training, capacity building and knowledge exchange.
The cooperation will also promote innovation and technology in mine action, alongside gender inclusion and regional cooperation in line with ASEAN frameworks.
This partnership directly contributes to the implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025 and the aspirations of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, reinforcing ASEAN’s commitment to a peaceful, inclusive, resilient, and people-centred region free from the threats of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
