Evaluation of the SRSA assistance to demining in Kosovo

In September 1999 The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) gave the Swedish Rescue Services Agency (SRSA) an assignment to assist the UN centre for demining - the Mine Action Co-ordination Centre (UNMIK MACC) - in Kosovo. The assistance consisted partly of experts within the areas of information technology, medicine and mine dog detection, all three of which are evaluated in this report. The interviewed representatives both from receiver (UNMIK MACC) and from co-operating organisations (demining organisations in Kosovo and the International Committee of the Red Cross - (ICRC) say that they are very satisfied with the Swedish assistance. The Swedish experts are considered to be technically skilled. However, we have identified factors that could improve the Swedish support further. The SRSA should reassess their international contributions when it comes to forms of employment for experts, preparation of operations, project management, report procedures and support for the contribution within its own organisation. Regarding a Swedish policy for this area, Sida and SRSA need to coordinate their efforts. A common demining policy would improve Sweden´s image and facilitate cost effective undertakings.