The Croatian government is dedicated to eradicating landmines (it ratified the Mine Ban Treaty in 1998) and there is a committed network of international mine clearance programs in the country. In 2001, 42.3 million square meters of land were returned to productive use. By early 2004, the government declared its first mine-impacted county “mine-safe”.  Under current estimates, they expect to add 2-3 more counties to the mine-safe list by the end of the year.

However, the presence of landmines still cripples Croatia’s recovery. Thirteen of 21 counties are affected by landmines, measuring 1,700 square kilometers. The landmine threat restricts mobility and impedes development. There is still much to be done and international donor support is still needed. With continued support, Croatia expects to be declared ‘mine-safe’ by 2008.

Adopt-A-Minefield has supported mine clearance in Croatia since 1999.

In both Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia, AAM works with the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF). The ITF, established by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia in 1998, organizes and finances demining and victim rehabilitation activities in South East Europe.

All Adopt-A-Minefield donations earmarked for Croatia are matched dollar for dollar by the ITF. The ITF works closely with the Croatian Mine Action Center (CMAC) to nominate priority mine clearance projects to AAM and to ensure that all projects funded by AAM supporters are cleared as quickly and safely as possible.  Clearance is carried out by several different organizations and commercial companies who compete through a competitive bidding process for the job.  All mine clearance operators must maintain international mine clearance standards as set by the United Nations.

	Mine Ban Treaty Status: Ratified (20 May 1998) Estimated Mined Area: 1,630 square km Reported Landmine Casualties: 1,768 since 1991

You can help the people of Croatia achieve their goal of being mine-safe by 2008 through your contribution.  Minefields in Croatia range from $25,000 to $75,000 to clear and smaller contributions can be pooled with others to be allocated where they are most needed.  Please join us so that we can say that we helped clear an entire country, together!