Ukraine: Humanity and Inclusion Strengthening capacities of mine action actors


SDC will contribute to Humanity and Inclusion’s project to accelerating the effectiveness of mine action efforts through innovative Non-Technical survey, increasing awareness among the conflict-affected population about the risks of explosive ordnance, and delivering tailored victims’ assistance services to conflict-affected vulnerable people.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Ukraine
Conflict & fragility
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Removal of land mines
Protection, access & security
01.02.2024 - 31.12.2027
CHF  5’000’000
Background Ukraine is considered to be the most densely mined country globally, surpassing Afghanistan and Syria. Currently, Kharkiv, Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts remain the most contaminated regions among those controlled by the Ukrainian government. Land release activities are facing various challenges, particularly due to ongoing fighting, huge scale of contamination and coordination/legal challenges in Ukraine to implement an efficient land release process. Currently, there are approximately 15’000 people with disabilities/ amputations, both as a result of a mine/UXO accident or of shelling.
Objectives

In line with objectives of Ukraine – the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2024, the overall objective of the project is to mitigate the hazard from EO through survey and clearance activities to a level where people can live safely and in which economic, social, and health development can occur free from the risks and constraints imposed by landmines and ERW contamination.

The specific objective is to strengthen the resilience of local populations, internally displaced persons, and returnees affected by EO due to the armed conflict in Ukraine, whilst increasing the technical capacity of mine action actors.

Target groups Local population, internally displaced persons and returnees affected by EO due to the armed conflict in Ukraine;
Conflict-affected populations with a special focus on victims of EO and persons with disabilities.
National Mine Action Authority, who will be able to make decision on land released based on received NTS reports.
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Land release processes are improved and accelerated through the integration of innovative survey techniques, enhancing the efficiency of identifying EO, while increasing the resilience of communities affected by EO contamination and other conflict-related risks;

Outcome 2: Tailored assistance is provided to conflict-affected people with a special focus on EO victims.

Results

Expected results:  

Output 1.1 NTS are conducted to support decision-making for land release prioritization by providing concrete evidence of EO contamination

Output 1.2: Local population, displaced people and returnees enhance their resilience to EO contamination and other conflict-related risks by fostering safe behaviors

Output 1.3: Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV or drones) based data collection methods are scaled-up and improved on the ground

Output 2.1: Conflict-affected populations and EO victims are identified, assessed and referred to enhance access to community-based services

Output 2.2: Tailored services and assistance are provided to conflict-affected populations with a special focus on victims of EO and persons with disabilities.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Humanitarian aid
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
  • Other international or foreign NGO North
  • Humanity and Inclusion (HI, former Handicap International)


Coordination with other projects and actors HI ensures strong coordination of activities with other operators, including GICHD, DRC, HALO Trust, FSD, NPA, UDA, and MAG, both through the Mine Action Area of Responsibility and the EORE Working Group, as well as through bilateral coordination with actors in the same operational areas. HI and all the other humanitarian mine action actors regularly coordinate to avoid any geographical overlap.
The project has strong linkage to SDC/Health domain and the PHRD/Protection.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    5’000’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    2’000’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   0
Project phases Phase 1 01.02.2024 - 31.12.2027   (Current phase)