Assistance to explosive ordnance victims: the state compensation mechanism
February 21, 2025
More than 40 representatives of the government, international donors, non-governmental organisations, and operators discussed the main challenges and developed specific recommendations on how to make the mine action sector in Ukraine more inclusive and gender-balanced. The two-day workshop in Kyiv on 18–19 February was organised by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine together with UNDP and with the support of international partners.
The workshop focused on several key areas: the participation of women in mine action, the integration of veterans and people with disabilities, equal access to employment in the sector, and the incorporation of gender perspectives into all aspects of mine action activities.
"Social inclusion and gender equality are not just ideals, they are practical tools that make mine action more effective. Diverse teams bring different perspectives and approaches, which improves the quality of work and the safety of communities," said Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
Participants shared international experience and best practices from other mine-affected countries. Particular attention was paid to the experience of Cambodia, Colombia, and countries of the former Yugoslavia, where inclusion programmes have shown positive results.
Based on the results of the workshop, specific recommendations were developed for the Government, international organisations, and mine action operators. Among them: creating targeted programmes for training women in mine action specialties, adapting workplaces for people with disabilities, and developing mentoring programmes for veterans transitioning to the mine action sector.
"We are committed to supporting Ukraine not only in developing demining capacity but also in ensuring that this process is inclusive and fair. The recommendations developed at this workshop will be an important guide for all stakeholders," noted the UNDP representative.
The workshop became part of a broader effort to ensure that Ukraine's mine action sector develops in accordance with international standards and best practices in social inclusion and gender equality.
