The International Service Demining proudly announces the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the Humanitarian Mine Action Association (iMFAD) — Türkiye. This step marks an important milestone in strengthening international partnerships in humanitarian demining and enhancing safety standards.
Why it matters
1. Strengthening international partnership
Such a memorandum is not just a piece of paper. It is a formalized agreement on the exchange of experience, technologies, practices, experts, and resources between two countries or organizations that share a common goal: to reduce the danger posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. Through such agreements, a state or agency becomes part of a global chain of mutual assistance.
2. Raising standards
iMFAD is a Turkish non-governmental organization specializing in humanitarian demining: Mine/ERW Risk Education, clearance, victim assistance, and advocacy.
Cooperation with such institutions enables us to apply international standards (IMAS and others), best practices, and methodologies — and to raise the level of our operations.
3. Recognition and enhancement of international image
Participation in international agreements and cooperation with foreign partners is proof that our organization is an equal player in the global mine action movement. It strengthens the trust of donors, international institutions (UN, GICHD, etc.), and opens up more opportunities for grants, technical assistance, and large-scale projects.
4. Practical benefits on the ground
The memorandum brings concrete opportunities:
- joint training and expert exchanges;
- support in assessing newly mined areas;
- joint projects in high-risk zones;
- increased response speed where it is critically important.
What it means for us — and for the community
For the International Service Demining, this is an opportunity to:
- gain access to new technologies, tools, and approaches from Türkiye and iMFAD;
- strengthen its competencies in complex conditions (different landscapes, climates, and types of mine threats);
- increase efficiency and quality of demining in the areas that need it most.
For communities and local residents, this means accelerating the process of returning to safe living: restoring infrastructure, bringing people back home, and rebuilding a safe environment.
Context and perspectives
- iMFAD was founded in Türkiye in 2017.
- It already operates in the fields of risk education, demining, and victim assistance.
- Türkiye is actively developing its national mine action program, including through the Turkish Mine Action Center (TURMAC).
- In international discussions, Türkiye highlights iMFAD’s involvement in EORE educational programs and cooperation with governmental structures.
The memorandum with iMFAD opens the door for cooperation with Turkish experience, networks, and international reputation.
