Maria Duran

Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) is an international expert organisation based in Switzerland. It has 65 members of staff representing 19 nationalities. The GICHD works to reduce the impact of mines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war, in close partnership with mine action organisations and other human security actors. To do so, the GICHD supports national authorities, international and regional organisations and NGOs in their efforts to improve the relevance, performance and sustainability of mine action. Our advisors visit approximately 50 countries each year and offer remote support, enabling them to tackle explosive hazard contamination safely, effectively and efficiently. By bringing together experts and practitioners, gathering and sharing knowledge, the GICHD acts as a central reference point in mine action. We promote dialogue between mine-affected countries in local languages, fostering regional cooperation. This work is not just an end in itself but also contributes to the broader objective of human security – freedom from fear and freedom from want. This effort is facilitated by the GICHD's location within the Maison de la Paix in Geneva The Centre's work is made possible by core contributions, project funding and in-kind support from 30 governments and organisations.