Shaping policy for UN Mine Action and Leading the Iraq Mine Action Response

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Archie Law was engaged by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to develop mine action policy for peacekeeping settings. He was subsequently asked to lead key elements of the United Nations’ response to the Iraq conflict, working across UN agencies, governments, and international partners during a period of significant geopolitical complexity.
Shaping policy for UN Mine Action and Leading the Iraq Mine Action Response

Objectives.

Develop policy frameworks to integrate mine action into peacekeeping and peace processes

Support governments and UN agencies to prepare for conflict-related displacement and humanitarian risks

Coordinate multi-agency efforts to mobilise funding for mine action in Iraq

Contribute to post-conflict planning and reconstruction efforts at national level

Strengthen collaboration between UN agencies, international financial institutions, and donors

What was delivered.

Development of UN mine action policy frameworks
Drafted the initial Guidelines for the Inclusion of Mine Action in Ceasefires and Peace Agreements, which were approved by the UN Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action.

Regional support to governments during conflict preparation
Worked across the Middle East to support governments in planning for potential large-scale refugee movements arising from the Iraq conflict.

Coordination of UN and NGO response for Iraq
Led coordination across UN agencies and NGOs to develop the UN Flash Appeal for mine action in Iraq.

Mobilisation of significant donor funding
Contributed to securing over AUD 60 million from donor governments to support mine action efforts in Iraq.

Leadership of post-conflict needs assessment for Iraq
Appointed Task Manager for the mine action component of the UNDP/World Bank Post Conflict Needs Assessment which was the first joint assessment of its kind between the two institutions.

Outcomes.

  • Establishment of foundational UN policy guiding the integration of mine action into peace processes
  • Effective coordination of multi-agency efforts in a complex and rapidly evolving environment
  • Successful mobilisation of over AUD 60 million in donor funding for mine action in Iraq
  • Delivery of a landmark UNDP/World Bank joint assessment to inform Iraq’s reconstruction
  • Contribution to strengthened collaboration between UN agencies, governments, and international financial institutions
  • Formal recognition of contribution by the Administrator of UNDP