On May 20, 2022, Minister of State Gustav Aitaro and Mr. Anthony Wyles-Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) Program Manager and Ms. Helena Gulibert -Ministry of Public Infrastructures and Industries-The National Safety Office (NSO) signed completion reports for the demining operation in Melekeok State. NPA is the Norwegian labor movement’s humanitarian organization (NGO), established in 1939 with its Head Office in Oslo, Norway, with additional projects in 22 countries/territories.
On behalf of the Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Advisory Committee and the NSO, NPA conducts Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) activities throughout Palau. The ERW activities are working toward ensuring Palau is no longer negatively affected by the presence of ERW and follows National and International best practices (International Mine Action Standards).
The Ministry of State serves as the Chairman of the Republic of Palau UXO Committee. In partnership with the NSO, NPA has safely removed and disarmed over 20,000 UXO remaining from World War II. These include an assortment of projectiles, mortar bombs, sea mines, hand grenades, and Air Dropped Bombs. The Ministry of State recognizes and values the commitment and great effort of the NPA’s role in disposing of these dangerous war relics and making Palau safe.
The Minister of State also acknowledges the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for supporting the ERW UXO program.