To Walk the Earth in Safety: New Report Showcases U.S. Global Leadership in Landmine Clearance and Conventional Weapons
Destruction
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
December 8, 2014
The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs has
released the 13th Edition of To Walk the Earth in Safety, a report summarizing the accomplishments of the U.S. Conventional Weapons Destruction Program. For more than 20 years,
the United States has led the international donor community in promoting peace and security worldwide by partnering with
nations to address humanitarian hazards from landmines and unexploded ordnance in post-conflict countries, as well as to
reduce the availability of excess, loosely-secured, or otherwise at-risk weapons and ordnance.
In fiscal year 2013, the Department of State provided more than $142 million in conventional weapons destruction
assistance in 49 countries. Among the report’s highlights are increased engagement in addressing U.S.-origin unexploded
ordnance in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific; efforts to strengthen African countries’ capabilities to counter
illicit arms proliferation. This year, the United States will not produce or acquire anti-personnel munitions that are
not compliant with the Ottawa Convention, and would diligently pursue solutions that would ultimately allow us to accede
to the Convention.
For more information, or to request a printed copy of To Walk the Earth in Safety, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, at pm-cpa@state.gov, and follow us on Twitter @StateDeptPM.
ENDS