AMMAN — Jordan completed all landmine clearance operations by the end of 2012, concluding a nationwide effort that began in 1993 under Royal directives of the late His Majesty King Hussein, an official said on Saturday.

 

Adnan Tilfah, Director of the Awareness and Survivor Assistance Department at the National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation (NCDR), said the achievement reflects Jordan’s commitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, which the Kingdom ratified in 1998.

 

Jordan was initially granted 10 years to complete clearance operations but required a three-year extension due to the technical complexity of the work, Tilfah said in remarks to Al Mamlaka TV.

 

“Demining efforts required advanced technologies, specialised training and strict safety measures to protect personnel and civilians in affected areas,” he said.

 

Tilfah said the NCDR operates under a multi-track national programme focusing primarily on mine clearance and survivor assistance.

 

He explained that survivor support is built on two main pillars. The first centres on public policy and rights-based legislation aimed at empowering survivors through sustainable income and employment opportunities rather than temporary financial aid. “These efforts are coordinated under the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

 

The second pillar, he said, addresses immediate needs while improving long-term quality of life through productive projects, particularly in agriculture.

 

Tilfah said the NCDR, in cooperation with the Agricultural Credit Fund, provides soft loans ranging between JD2, 000 and JD3, 000, with the committee covering the loans for both male and female survivors.

 

The committee has also partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Jordan Valley Authority to implement sustainable agricultural initiatives, he said.

 

“While the first and second phases have been completed, plans are under way to expand the programme as a model for other mine-affected countries.”

 

He said that small-scale projects are tailored to survivors’ skills and include livestock farming, mobile phone maintenance, tailoring and hairdressing.

 

“Beneficiaries also receive technical and vocational training to help them establish businesses.”

 

Tilfah said that the NCDR serves both civilian and military survivors, adding that fewer than 500 civilian survivors are directly assisted in Jordan, with about 128 individuals having participated in various programmes.

 

Mine-related injuries range from moderate to severe, he said, adding that the committee’s services extend beyond economic assistance to include healthcare, physical and vocational rehabilitation, educational support and psychological counselling.

 

“Seasonal aid is also provided during Ramadan, winter and the back-to-school period.”