Arms control
World War II ordnance recovered from the sea near the city of Kerch, Crimea, September 2009. (OSCE/Rene BeBeau) Photo details
The current crisis in and around Ukraine has led to large areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions being contaminated by deadly explosive remnants, including landmines. It is a serious risk to human life, and a handicap to social and economic development. Numerous explosive objects are still found in other regions across Ukraine, a legacy of the Second World War and Soviet-era military exercises and ammunition stockpiles.
To help address those challenges, the Project Co-ordinator helps introduce policy regulations and mine action standards. Furthermore, it helps ensure a co-ordinated approach of all agencies involved. Additional efforts aim to build agencies’ institutional and technical capacity, especially in information management. To increase the safety of people in crisis-affected areas, the Co-ordinator assists in ensuring dangerous areas are clearly marked, and facilitates dialogue between local communities and demining actors on the issue.