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Ukraine

Ukraine: Mine action in Ukraine - March 2019 [EN/RU/UK]

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BACKGROUND

Ukraine is one of the most severely mine and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) affected places in the world, with the most recorded anti-vehicle mine incidents for three years in a row and the third globally for overall casualties, behind only Afghanistan and Syria.

It is estimated by national authorities that about 7,000 sq. km. in the government controlled areas (GCA) of Donetsk and Luhansk oblast in eastern Ukraine are contaminated with mines and Explosive Remnants of War. The Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with humanitarian actors, has developed a map which shows surveyed areas where mine contamination has been confirmed. However, vast areas of land have not yet been surveyed so it is difficult to know the full extent of mine contamination. It is also difficult to assess the scale of contamination in non-government controlled areas (NGCA) as no coordinated mine action has been taken there, whilst the situation is understood to be acute.

Over 1,000 casualties have been recorded as a result of landmines and other ERWs since 2014, as land mines continue to be planted in the ongoing conflict.3 In 2018, 43% of civilian casualties were attributed to mine and ERW-related incidents. Mine related incidents remained the leading cause of child casualties in 2018.

Mine and Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) contamination is a key protection concern.
It puts vital civilian infrastructure facilities at risk as maintenance and repair is impeded or made impossible by the presence of mines and UXOs. Mines, ERWs and UXOs limit accessto income generation, as civilians are unable to engage in farming and agricultural activities. Mine contamination limits freedom of movement and poses a serious threat to civilians crossing the contact line between GCA and NGCA.

Access to some villages near the contact line is restricted as roads are contaminated by mines, leaving people cut off from essential services, while limiting recreational activities for children. Mine contamination also puts in danger people collecting firewood for heating. In addition, survivors of mine/ERW accidents continue to suffer as a result of limited availability of rehabilitation services and a lack of understanding of their needs.