These resources provide a deeper understanding of mine action in Ukraine and internationally, and of the situation of mine and unexploded ordnance contamination and clearance in Ukraine.
We also provide links to key conferences on mine action and demining in which our team participates. Information in this field is dynamic and constantly updated; if you have a resource to recommend, please contact us at info@mriyaaid.ca
Mine action standards
International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)
The IMAS website supports mine action professionals and organizations worldwide. IMAS promotes and advances high standards for safe and effective clearance of landmines and other UXO through safety protocols and procedures developed and evolving since the 1990s. The framework ensures consistency and interoperability across contexts, using the same terminology and standards for operational procedures, quality management, training and competencies, safety and risk management. Mine action involves four pillars or areas: survey, clearance, land release, mine risk education, and victim assistance. Through regular updates, IMAS serves as a dynamic resource that ensures safety and effectiveness in mine action operations.
In 2017, Ukraine implemented a package of 42 mine action standards that the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) considered to be in line with IMAS. With unprecedented contamination being caused by Russia after its illegal full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s original national mine action standards were updated in 2023. The GICHD and Ukraine’s National Mine Action Authority identified priorities and consolidated international experience with the realities on the ground in Ukraine, to revise the NMAS to help Ukrainian deminers minimize their professional risk. In 2024, new NMAS were adopted.
At the end of 2023, the Ukrainian government presented the National Mine Action Strategy, and the Operational Plan in 2024. The document defines problems posing a threat to national security caused by contamination of Ukrainian territories with explosive hazards as a result of Russia’s armed aggression, and the main directions and tasks of the state policy in mine action and ways to achieve Ukraine's national interests, as defined by relevant strategic goals. The implementation of the Strategy requires the collaboration of government bodies, local and international partners and NGOs, mine action operators, businesses (including the agricultural sector), and civil society. Ukraine aims to clear 80% of previously occupied land by 2033.
From Economic Recovery to Global Food Security: The Urgent Need to Demine Ukraine
This report by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of mines and UXO from Russia’s attacks on the future of Ukraine and the world.
Mines and UXO contamination results in annual losses of $11.2B or 5.6% of Ukraine’s GDP. Chernihiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv regions lost 20% of their regional GDP.
One billion people worldwide experience food shortages because Russia's invasion removed large swaths of land from agricultural production. Global food prices increased by 20% due to the loss of grain supplies from Ukraine.
Russia uses commodities as a tool for geopolitical coercion: it targets Ukrainian grain ships and silos with missiles, bombs an
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This report by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of mines and UXO from Russia’s attacks on the future of Ukraine and the world.
Mines and UXO contamination results in annual losses of $11.2B or 5.6% of Ukraine’s GDP. Chernihiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv regions lost 20% of their regional GDP.
One billion people worldwide experience food shortages because Russia's invasion removed large swaths of land from agricultural production. Global food prices increased by 20% due to the loss of grain supplies from Ukraine.
Russia uses commodities as a tool for geopolitical coercion: it targets Ukrainian grain ships and silos with missiles, bombs and drones, and seizes Ukrainian grain illegally. Rapid progress in demining combats Russia’s influence over food supply.
Scale, diversification and predictability in funding is needed to properly demine Ukraine. Nearly $35 billion will be required to clear all Ukrainian territories.
In his article in Wired, Justin Ling explores how the widespread use of mines has left Ukrainians scrambling to find ways to clear the explosives. Ling examines the measures, initiatives, and technologies designed for demining Ukraine to remove UXO
A short and concise guide for Ukrainian sappers on the identification of small arms ammunition. The book is intended for junior commanders of the AFU, NGU, and TDF.
In cooperation with the publishers of this guide, Mriya Aid purchased and distributed 3000 copies to multiple state agencies and training centres across Ukraine (AFU, SSTS, NGU, SESU, SBGS), as well as the Ukrainian Humanitarian Mine Action Training Centre, Support Forces Command, and the National Mine Action Authority at the MOD’s Centre of Excellence of the Main Directorate of Mine Action, Civilian Protection and Environmental Safety.
CAT-UXO: Collective Awareness to Unexploded Ordnance
CAT-UXO’s explosive hazard database brings together the EOD community to collate information and awareness on UXO and explosive hazards. Technical personnel worldwide (EOD operators, Military, Police, NGOs, divers, dog handlers, medics and mine risk managers) can pool their knowledge to prevent injury and save lives.
It aims to provide general explosive hazard information in order to minimise the risk of accidents. Only trained specialists should approach or handle explosive hazards. The information is not exhaustive and may not be fully accurate.
The Government of Canada’s age-appropriate public safety outreach material informs students on how to stay safe in areas where UXO is known to exist. The information in this resource is for elementary and high school students and their teachers interested in learning about UXO.
As a UN Global Advocate for persons with disabilities, in this video clip from his speech at UMAC 2024, Giles Duley shares his powerful story of resilience and hope, reminding us of the urgent need to demine Ukraine to protect lives and support survivors. Giles’ message resonates deeply: Every mine cleared, every survivor supported, and every life saved is a step toward a safer, more inclusive world. Giles Duley Photographer, founder and CE Legacy of War Foundation
A song and video by the renowned Ukrainian band Okean Elzy, paying tribute to Ukrainian sappers and the difficult work they do to save lives and help return Ukrainians to their homes and communities. Although the song was written 15 years ago, the band felt that it captured the story of Ukrainian men and women working to clear their land from mines and UXO.
Switzerland and Ukraine held a high-level international conference on demining and mine action needed for Ukraine that brought together international donors, partners and key stakeholders. This video by Reuters of the conference proceedings presents the key problems and the key players working in mine action in Ukraine as of October 2024.
In this video, Real Engineering examines the specifics of mined territories in Ukraine, as well as the mines and other ordnance used by the Russians. Demining is complicated by the scale of contamination, by the emergence of new types of mines that are hard to detect, and by unexploded shells, bombs, grenades, homemade explosive devices, and traps.
Video material
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