India International Forum on Mine Action and Safety (IIFOMAS), an initiative of the Horizon Safer World Foundation (HSWF), is an Indian think tank focused on the International Mine Action Scenario, striving to contribute to a safer world. The founding members of the Forum have been associated with Mine Action activities internationally for many decades.

At UN, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) coordinates it. Five pillars of Mine Action comprise: i) Land mines, Explosives Remnants of War (ERW) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) clearance; ii) Explosive Ordnance Risk Education; iii) Victim Assistance including rehabilitation and reintegration; iv) Stockpile Destruction and v) Advocacy.
Our primary focus is to reduce and mitigate the risks these hazards pose in conflict zones, which cause immense suffering to individuals and communities. In the last decade alone, these hidden threats have caused more than 60,000 casualties. Tragically, 80-85% of the victims are civilians, and half of them are children, highlighting the indiscriminate and devastating nature of these weapons.

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote safety and awareness on this critical issue, IIFOMAS will host a Symposium on Mine Action in New Delhi on 14 November 2024. The Symposium aims to understand various aspects of Mine Action, discuss the International Mine Action Scenario, and generate ideas for India’s contribution to creating a safer world.

India’s unique combination of being the largest democracy in the world with a strong tradition of peaceful coexistence and successful experience in nation building makes this Symposium particularly relevant and are in line with the theme of VasudaivaKutumbakam (one earth-one family-one future).