OSCE SMM Chief Monitor Apakan and OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine Villadsen highlight the importance of mine action in eastern Ukraine

KYIV, 4 April 2019 – On the occasion of International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed to raise awareness about mines and progress towards their eradication, the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, Ertugrul Apakan, and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, Henrik Villadsen, highlighted the importance of mine action in the conflict-affected areas of eastern Ukraine. 

“Agreement to remove mines and stop the laying of new ones was reached in Minsk years ago,” said Apakan. “Yet, mines continue to take and disrupt the lives of Ukrainians on both sides of the contact line, leaving no doubt that more humanitarian de-mining is immediately required. The SMM is facilitating de-mining efforts, particularly in areas around schools, hospitals, residential housing and entry-exit checkpoints, in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and stands ready to continue its support in the future.”

Mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) pose an imminent threat to the civilian population in eastern Ukraine. In the past 12 months, the SMM confirmed that at least 70 people had lost their lives or sustained injuries as a result of explosions of mines and UXO. Eighteen of them were children. In addition to civilian casualties, mines and UXO also impede basic socio-economic activities, restrict movement, hinder recovery and development, and separate people.

“Reducing risks posed by mines and UXO requires the consolidated efforts of all partners – State and non-governmental agencies, and local and international organizations. In support of these efforts, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator helps develop supporting legislation and regulations; together with Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, supports the roll-out of IMSMA, a digital system for mine action planning; and provides equipment and training to national authorities,” Villadsen said.