UNDP trains 40 humanitarian demining specialists for work in Kharkiv region
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has trained 40 humanitarian demining specialists — veterans and women from the families of military personnel — who are starting work in Kharkiv region, the initiative combined professional training and official employment, the organization’s press service reported.
"A new cohort of 40 demining specialists, including war veterans and families of service members, has begun field operations across Kharkiv Oblast. Having completed intensive training in non-technical survey (NTS) and explosive risk education, these specialists – many of whom are veterans with disabilities – are now leading the effort to return safe land to their communities," the UNDP reported on its website.
The intensive training programme is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine with the support of the governments of the Netherlands and Luxembourg, in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, and the Mine Action Coordination Centre. Operational implementation of the project is carried out by the state enterprise Ukroboronservice.
The three-week training course combined theoretical lectures, practical field exercises, safety procedures, and the use of digital tools. Upon completion of the course, all participants received official offers of employment with Ukroboronservice for a period of 12 months.
Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, noted: "Mine action is a long-term effort that requires a large number of trained specialists. In my view, engaging veterans significantly strengthens this area of work. It covers a wide range of tasks — from explosive risk education and data analysis to clearance and disposal. This work is essential to making communities safer and returning land to productive use."
The programme graduates have formed 10 teams, which will work in communities across Kharkiv Oblast over the course of the year, helping to reduce risks to the civilian population.
Kharkiv Oblast was selected as a pilot region due to its having one of the highest levels of contamination with explosive hazards in Ukraine: Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 430 people have been injured by explosive hazards in the region – more than 30 percent of all such cases nationwide.
For participating veterans, the programme has provided an opportunity not only to acquire a new profession, but also to return to an active civilian life and contribute to work that has a direct impact on public safety.
Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized: "Supporting veterans is one of UNDP’s priorities in Ukraine, and for us it is important that this support goes beyond assistance, and creates real opportunities. This project combines employment for veterans with work that is critically important for the country – humanitarian demining and improving community safety."