The Politics of Non-Recognition: Re-evaluating the Apolitical Presentation of Humanitarian Mine Action Programmes in Somaliland.

This paper highlights the need for the mine action sector (including landmine clearance, risk education, survivor assistance and advocacy) to adapt or at least understand the changing dynamics in the political world in which it is implemented. Using the case study of a non-recognised state, Somaliland, the paper will illustrate the political challenges faced by United Nations mine action programmes. Somaliland’s political non-recognition dictates and defines the framing of implementation and therefore challenges the implementation of international humanitarian programmes by the international community, including mine action. Similarly, context framing dictates assumptions and perceptions of security. This includes challenges to the implementing partners’ role and the UN’s remote management of the programme. The paper concludes that even though the mine action sector – like many humanitarian programs – presents itself as ‘apolitical’, there is need for a re-evaluation of its modus operandi if it is to remain relevant in a dynamic and continually changing political world.