Alleviating suffering and promoting hope, growth, and stability in war-torn countries
MLI's Mission
The Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI) was founded by General Gordon R. Sullivan in 1997 in an effort to extend the vision and legacy of Nobel Peace Laureate George C. Marshall. MLI’s mission is to locate, secure, and apply skills and resources to alleviate suffering, restore hope, and create conditions that nurture stability in countries affected by conflict. By addressing the global landmine crisis, MLI works to promote safety and long-term recovery in regions where mines continue to pose a significant threat. As a nonprofit organization, MLI focuses on landmine detection, raising awareness, and educating local communities to minimize the dangers of unexploded ordnance.
Landmine Facts
Landmines are small, usually round devices designed to injure or kill people by an explosive blast or flying fragments. Most mines are made of plastic and contain about the same amount of metal as the spring in a ballpoint pen making metal detectors almost useless.
The development of the anti-tank mine was spurred by the use of battle tanks during World War I. Anti-personnel mines were developed to replace these larger mines that could easily be removed by enemy soldiers.
The development and use of the landmines we know today became a major military strategy between 1918 and 1939. At this time, mines were used in a controlled manner and specifically targeted at soldiers. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the random distribution of landmines began.
Today, there are still tens of millions of anti-personnel mines in the ground and stockpiled in over 60 countries.
Do demining programs work?
Mine action operations have resulted in the destruction of more than 2.2 million antipersonnel mines, 250,000 anti-vehicle mines, and 17 million explosive remnants of war (ERW). At the same time there are new mines laid every single day.
How are they triggered?
It takes only a tiny amount of pressure to detonate a landmine.
They are indiscriminate killers that can’t tell the difference between the boot of a soldier and the barefoot of a child.
Is the problem over?
No, there are still tens of millions of landmines contaminating more than 60 countries. We need to continue our work, so please help support MLI’s programs.
Our Impact:
Thanks to Your Support
MLI's humanitarian work would not be possible without the generous support of our donors. Since 1997, MLI has donated 325 mine detection dogs to sniff out landmines in war-torn countries, supported over 2,200 landmine survivors with medical and vocational assistance, and provided mine risk education to around 278,500 people in mine-impacted countries. It is thanks to charitable foundations, grants, the U.S. Government, and countless individual donors that MLI continues to follow our mission, alleviating suffering, restoring hope, and providing stability to war-torn countries year after year.
Our Programs
MLI believes in targeted, effective programs that build sustainability, increase capacity of local organizations, and help communities help themselves. MLI programs are a collaborative effort between the people of the United States and the country involved – check out our Where We Work page to read more about country-specific projects.
This Land of Mines
Enjoy This Land of Mines, an original song written by MLI's Board Chairman, MG (Ret.) Robert M. Dyess, Jr., which premiered at the 2025 Clearing the Path Gala on October 28. This heartfelt ballad reflects the spirit of MLI’s mission—removing landmines, restoring peace, and inspiring hope for a safe and mine-free future. As conflicts continue to endanger lives and communities, MLI and our humanitarian mine action partners remain committed to reducing the lasting impacts of war and helping families reclaim their land, safety, and stability. Join us in working toward a world no longer defined by a land “of mines.”
Donor Privacy Policy
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