10 YEARS OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRUST FUND FOR DEMINING AND MINE VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (ITF)

Abstract

The International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) is a Slovenian foreign policy project established for the purpose of stabilizing mine[1]affected areas in the region of South East Europe as well as other mine-affected regions through the support of mine action activities. The ITF mission is to raise and administer donations of public and private origin, for the purpose of implementing mine action activities in accordance with the interests of donors and with regard to the needs of the affected communities. The ITF strives to fulfil the goal of a mine-free SEE, not only by eradicating the mine impact on everyday life in the affected communities but also by complete removal of mines from the entire territories of mine-contaminated countries. Moreover the ITF is also contributing to the eradication of he mine problem in other mine-affected parts of the world. The Government of the Republic of Slovenia set up a unique institution in the world, recognized as a reference model by the donor community, including the European Commission, as well as other assistance recipient countries and the general expert community. Many affected countries and donors have expressed their readiness to support the expansion of the ITF model to other mine-affected regions.