Thought’s Regarding “Pause / Hold” Order

When a country faces a multi-trillion-dollar deficit, you can’t just trim budget dust or maintain the status quo and hope the issue goes away. Real, painful choices must be made. Regardless of where you stand politically, the U.S. is at an economic crossroads, and the current administration is making sweeping decisions to reassess spending. As a result foreign assistance grants, inc. those funding HMA, are on pause.

The initial reaction from those of us in the HMA community may be frustration, uncertainty, or even fear for the future of vital programs; but I believe this pause presents opportunities. How we respond will shape the future of HMA.

The Reality of ERW

I’ve spent my career confronting the lifelong impact of war. I have walked through places littered with minefields where entire swaths of farmland remain unusable, where kid’s playgrounds are littered with UXO, and families are trapped in cycles of poverty because they fear setting foot on their own land. These are daily realities for millions of people, and the work we do is about more than just clearing land: It’s about restoring lives, communities, and economic potential.

The uncomfortable truth is that 90% of global ERW were not dropped by the U.S. They are a byproduct of global conflicts waged by many nations, but only a handful of countries, and organizations have committed to the long-term process of clearing them. The U.S. has historically been a leader in this effort, not only because it’s the right thing to do but because HMA is a strategic investment in global stability, security and diplomacy.

Why HMA Matters Now More Than Ever

I’m often asked, “Why don’t affected countries handle ERW clearance themselves?” The reality is that most of them can’t. This isn’t simply digging a well or repairing a road. UXO clearance requires highly trained personnel, advanced technology, rigorous safety protocols, and sustainable funding.

The U.S., often in partnership with organizations like Golden West Humanitarian Foundation, has played a leading role in training host nation militaries, actively building their own capabilities to take on this challenge. Without continued funding, these efforts will stall, leaving countless communities in limbo, unable to rebuild their futures.

This moment is an opportunity to broaden the coalition of those contributing to HMA efforts. By working together, governments, humanitarian organizations, and private sector partners can strengthen the shared responsibility of making post-conflict zones safer.

This Isn’t a Full Stop

HMA isn’t controversial, it’s a humanitarian necessity. By the time the mission reaches the desks of organizations like Golden West Humanitarian Foundation, it doesn’t matter how or why the ordnance, or landmine got there, the simple fact is that they must be removed. ERW cripple economic growth, block infrastructure development, and endanger civilians long after conflicts have ended. No government can ignore that reality.

That said, it’s difficult to rank where HMA sits in terms of priority within the U.S. Govt’s portfolio of international programs. But one thing I feel is absolutely certain: HMA will remain a part of U.S. foreign policy. While specific projects may be delayed or reshuffled, the need for mine action is undeniable.

Opportunities Are Available

Disruption always presents opportunity. Here’s what I think we need to focus on:

1. Advocacy & Policy Engagement
   • The U.S. Congressional UXO / Demining Caucus and policymakers must ensure HMA remains a core part of U.S. foreign assistance priorities.
2. Stronger International Partnerships
   • This is an opportunity to diversify the funding approach for HMA, encouraging more nations, private partners, and NGOs to take an active role in supporting mine action efforts.
3. Collaboration Among HMA Community
   • Rather than working in silos, this is a chance to strengthen working partnerships within the HMA community, aligning efforts and resources for even greater positive impact.

Moving Forward

This is a speed bump, not a dead end. The process of clearing UXO takes time, patience, and unwavering dedication.

I believe that when the pause-review is complete, it will be reaffirmed that HMA programs are not only essential but reflect our humanitarian values.

The need for our work has not changed. The lives at stake remain the same. HMA is a marathon, not a sprint. Our commitment to clearing UXO and protecting civilians must remain unwavering.

Larry Cousins

CEO, Golden West Humanitarian Foundation

#GoldenWestHumanitarianFoundation #HumanitarianMineAction #Demining #UXO #GlobalSecurity #EconomicGrowth #LandmineFree