Go to main content
Professional
Donate
News

Ukraine: Communities in contaminated areas face severe risks from explosive ordnance

Ukraine has experienced substantial new contamination with explosive ordnance due to the escalation of the conflict in February 2022. Risk education plays a pivotal role in protecting communities from the perils of mines and other explosive remnants of war during times of conflict when clearance is not immediately feasible.

©ShoTam Ukraine, 2024.

Posted on 03 Apr 2024

As one approaches the Polissia hromada (meaning community in Ukrainian) in Kyiv Oblast, the increasing prevalence of signs warning "Danger Mine!" becomes evident. This oblast, like numerous others across Ukraine, is extensively contaminated with explosive ordnance (EO). The National Mine Action Authority of Ukraine reported in June 2023 that approximately 160,000km² of territory requires surveying for contamination. 

Polissia hromada governs 29 villages, one of which, Luhovyky, is situated merely 20 kilometres from the Ukrainian-Belarusian border.  

Vitalii Novik, the deputy head of the community, says that it returned to the control of the Ukrainian government in April 2022. He reports that explosive remnants of war were discovered in residences and gardens.  

"We had lethal incidents. On the first day following the occupation, a vehicle detonated in the village of Dragivka, resulting in two fatalities, with one survivor. Additionally, a lorry exploded in Vovchkiv, claiming two lives. There were also detonations involving other vehicles. A combine harvester exploded in a field, fortunately without casualties," Vitalii recounts. 

He emphasises that the threat persists, given the extensive contamination of the community with EO.

 

"All forest areas have not yet been surveyed, alongside some unexplored plots of land intended for farming. The State Emergency Service has addressed all submitted applications as far as possible. Farmers have also employed deminers at their own expense to inspect the areas and expedite the commencement of the sowing season."

/  Vitalii Novik

Education starts with high-priority risk groups 

In regions where immediate demining is unattainable, providing explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) is crucial. This involves activities aimed at reducing the risk of injury from EO by enhancing the awareness of women, girls, boys, and men following their distinct vulnerabilities, roles, and needs, and advocating behavioural change.  

Through targeted outreach and education programmes, EORE enables locals to identify, avoid, and report the presence of EO. This proactive strategy focuses on distributing vital information tailored to the specific requirements and circumstances of affected populations. The endeavours of EORE play a significant part in diminishing the likelihood of accidents and injuries associated with EO, thus safeguarding lives and assisting communities in managing their daily activities amidst ongoing threats.  

DRC conducts both online and offline information sessions throughout Ukraine. In 2023, nearly 4,000 sessions were held, reaching 70,000 individuals.  

Information initiatives typically commence in communities with high-priority risk groups. These include officials and workers of public utilities operating in hazardous zones and repairing equipment damaged by bombardment. Presently, some of the most perilous areas are forests in communities that have been outside the control of the government of Ukraine for a period, as well as locations where hostilities have occurred.  

Nevertheless, the teams endeavour to engage as many individuals as possible in communities affected by explosive ordnance contamination, hence the specialists conduct sessions in various venues, including schools, cultural centres, post offices, markets, and shops. A recent session took place at the Polissia Central Hospital thanks to the funding from the German Federal Foreign Office.  

"We convey the existing threats without delving into the tactical and technical specifics of the munitions. We also discuss the impact of mines and explosive remnants of war. Most importantly, we elucidate how to recognise dangerous zones and the appropriate actions if one encounters munition, finds themselves in a mined area, or witnesses a casualty," explains Oleksandr Nezdoimyshev, EORE Facilitator at the DRC. 

Doctors from the Polissia Central Hospital in Krasiatychi, Kyiv Oblast, listen to a lecture on the risks of explosive ordnance. ©ShoTam Ukraine, 2024.

Doctors from the Polissia Central Hospital in Krasiatychi, Kyiv Oblast, listen to a lecture on the risks of explosive ordnance. ©ShoTam Ukraine, 2024.

“I discovered ammunition in my son’s drawer and was overcome with dread”

Immediately following the session, participant Liudmyla highlighted the extreme necessity of such awareness-raising efforts—especially for children who, out of curiosity, may jeopardise their lives unaware of the danger.

"My son, aged 12, had been cautioned against venturing into abandoned military dugouts, yet he and his friend did precisely that. One day, upon opening his drawer, I discovered ammunition and was overcome with dread," Liudmyla shares. She adds that the forests surrounding their village still contain abundant ammunition, with foresters continuing to discover tripwires.

"I yearn for fewer instances like the one we saw in the video when the mine detonated. To prevent children and adults from sustaining injuries," Liudmyla expresses.

DRC regularly conducts sessions for children using gamification to make them more approachable and interesting. This approach includes a mobile application with augmented reality, colouring books, and presentations in the form of fairytales.

In addition to direct awareness sessions, DRC also trains trainers, resulting in 340 specialists last year capable of imparting knowledge to individuals within their communities.

DRC also orchestrates information campaigns, disseminating key messages through the media: if you encounter a mine or other munition, refrain from approaching or touching it, and dial 101 (the SES telephone number).

Owing to financial support from the European Union, the Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine, and the governments of Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands, such campaigns are expected to reinforce the "golden rules" of safe conduct among 2 million Ukrainians in 2024.

European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
German Federal Foreign Office
German Federal Foreign Office
Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Ukraine Humanitarian Fund
Ukraine Humanitarian Fund

13 Nov 2024

Ukraine: Making war-affected territories safe again

29 Oct 2024

Ukraine: Renovated Community Centre in Voznesensk offers free skills training for vulnerable groups

14 Oct 2024

Ukraine: Providing vital humanitarian aid and life-saving explosive risk education near the frontline

16 Sep 2024

Ukraine: DRC aids evacuees in war-torn regions

11 Sep 2024

Ukraine: Tackling humanitarian crisis in South

26 Aug 2024

Standing with Ukraine: Rebuilding to ensure a brighter future - Insights from the frontline

09 Aug 2024

Ukraine: "When the blast wave broke the windows, I could feel my heart moving"

05 Aug 2024

Ukraine: Vocational education grants aiding people find jobs and rebuild livelihoods

30 Jul 2024

Ukraine: Kindergarten reopens in Mykolaiv — safe haven for 200 children

29 Jul 2024

Ukraine: Surveying hidden dangers

09 Jul 2024

Joint Statement: New EU leadership must uphold the right to asylum in Europe

19 Jun 2024

Ukraine: “I was pulled out of a 5-metre deep crater” — victim of shelling

07 Jun 2024

Ukraine: “A shell hit our house, exploding just four meters away from our bed” ‒ Olena

31 May 2024

Ukraine: Empowering food security — DRC’s initiative in Ukraine's agricultural heartlands

24 Apr 2024

Ukraine: Strikes in Kharkiv damaged DRC’s office forcing temporary suspension of support to local populations

23 Apr 2024

129 civil society organisations call on MEPs to uphold fundamental rights and reject the harmful Schengen borders code recast

22 Apr 2024

Ukraine: Mechanical demining operations are gaining momentum in Mykolaiv Oblast

10 Apr 2024

Danish Refugee Council's statement on the adoption of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum

03 Apr 2024

Ukraine: Communities in contaminated areas face severe risks from explosive ordnance

28 Mar 2024

Ukraine: “I tried to hide in a cellar when a bomb hit my yard” — Ivanna

18 Mar 2024

Surrendering human rights for migration control

05 Mar 2024

The EU must provide future-proof solutions for people displaced from Ukraine

22 Feb 2024

Ukraine: Two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the situation for the millions of internally displaced is deteriorating fast

09 Feb 2024

Ukraine: Strengthening national mine action capabilities

31 Jan 2024

New report: “They started beating us, used a stun gun and pepper spray on us and then threw us into the forest. We couldn't walk for three days because of the pain, and we had vision problems.”

31 Jan 2024

Pushbacks on the European borders: Unravelling the Perils Along Migration Journeys in Europe

24 Jan 2024

Ukraine: Shelter programme helps families rebuild their homes damaged by flooding or shelling

12 Jan 2024

Ukraine: Vital cash support to internally displaced persons amidst war

20 Dec 2023

Statement on EU Pact on Asylum and Migration: A wasted opportunity for a more balanced and humane approach.

13 Dec 2023

Ukraine: Surviving captivity in 2014, mother of 2 had to flee from home amidst the onset of war

12 Dec 2023

Moldova: DRC is committed to continue strategic partnership with Ministry of Internal Affairs of Moldova to strengthen joint refugee response

08 Dec 2023

Moldova: And the next level...

06 Dec 2023

Global Refugee Forum: DRC is thrilled to announce our participation in the 2023 GRF Legal Community Pledge.

29 Nov 2023

Focus on Regions: Launch of the Mixed Migration Review 2023

29 Nov 2023

Ukraine: New windows and water supply — DRC improves living conditions in western Ukraine shelters for IDPs

21 Nov 2023

Ukraine: The journey of a single mother fleeing the frontline Kherson city

13 Nov 2023

Poland: Four thousand kilometres long way to find a new home

10 Nov 2023

DRC’s support to Ukrainian civilians traveling from Poland to their hometowns: a glimpse into the mine risk education activities in Poland

09 Nov 2023

Poland | Open Place Krakow: Aid and activities for refugees and migrants

08 Nov 2023

Poland: Coping with displacement and being away from Ukraine

07 Nov 2023

Poland: Getting a second chance in life and a sense of hope after fleeing the war in Ukraine

26 Oct 2023

Ukraine: ‘I found a shell of a large calibre’ — DRC deminers clear agricultural lands

20 Oct 2023

Poland: DRC attends the Cross Border Cooperation Congress 2023 in Lublin

17 Oct 2023

Moldova: A hand in need – partnerships to find lasting solutions for Ukrainian refugees

02 Oct 2023

Beaten by police, bitten by dogs, and robbed of all rights: New Report Reveals Alarming Pushbacks and Violations at Europe's borders

29 Sep 2023

Poland: Reducing the carbon footprint of DRC operations

24 Sep 2023

Ukraine: 'I saw the missile coming' – a struggle of a single mother returning to rebuild a home

21 Sep 2023

Ukraine: Supporting children affected by explosive ordnance

20 Sep 2023

Poland: “We were 20,000 people in my home area. Now, it’s a ghost town in Ukraine!” 

19 Sep 2023

Poland: Nurturing leadership talent among migrants and refugees

15 Sep 2023

Moldova: Finding the tune in a new life after fleeing war in Ukraine

13 Sep 2023

Ukraine: DRC provided necessary medical device to injured Bakhmut citizen

11 Sep 2023

Greece: Celebrating friendship in a music video by refugee children

29 Aug 2023

Greece: Access to quality education for refugee children 

25 Aug 2023

Kosovo: Summer camps to empower minority teachers and youth

25 Aug 2023

Poland: Protecting Ukrainian lives through Risk Education

18 Aug 2023

Kilometres of Ukraine's forests are contaminated with explosive ordnance: DRC helps make them safe

04 Aug 2023

Poland: How offices in Warsaw are turned into shelter for vulnerable refugees from Ukraine

25 Jul 2023

Civilians under shelling in Ukraine: Ivan spent months in a school basement surviving the frontline battles

19 Jul 2023

DRC's support for victims of shelling in Ukraine: a glimpse into the lives of Chernihiv families

10 Jul 2023

DRC Moldova: Joint efforts improve access to legal aid for Ukrainian refugees

28 Jun 2023

Poland: New community centre for Ukrainian refugees in Krakow

22 Jun 2023

Ukraine Reconstruction: DRC helps with emergency repair of homes

21 Jun 2023

Poland: Tailoring free legal aid to protect refugees and vulnerable minorities

21 Jun 2023

Teaching youth in Serbia about gender-based violence and rights

21 Jun 2023

Safe Migration Information is critical for Ukrainians on the move

20 Jun 2023

DRC Kosovo: A decade of support to secure critical civilian registration concluded 

20 Jun 2023

Medical aid piloted for migrants and refugees in Moldova

16 Jun 2023

Joint NGO Statement: The EU must not be complicit in the loss of lives at sea and in rights violations at Europe’s borders

16 Jun 2023

Greece: Need for spaces that are child-friendly and safe

06 Jun 2023

Ukraine: Thousands at risk following the Nova Kakhovka Dam burst

30 May 2023

Protecting Rights at Borders VI: What we do in the shadows

17 May 2023

Digital innovation in Ukraine as DRC launches new Legal Aid tool

15 May 2023

DRC Greece: Human Rights Actors join forces across Europe

15 May 2023

Bosnia & Herzegovina: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

12 May 2023

Conference Response to the Public Health Challenges of Mixed Migration

11 May 2023

Italian State blueprints DRC pilot for support to Ukrainian refugees

06 May 2023

The Danish Refugee Council supports local communities

28 Apr 2023

Ukrainian shoemaker survived a heavy explosion of an Explosive Ordnance left in a bin

26 Apr 2023

“Finding courage to start all over was tough”. Businesses across Ukraine adapt to wartime challenges

26 Apr 2023

Donation for the Cantonal Hospital in Bihać

25 Apr 2023

DRC is dedicated to the environmental protection

14 Apr 2023

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Digital literacy lessons for people on the move 

14 Apr 2023

Greece: Narrowing the digital gap in education

14 Apr 2023

Italy: Social media to help raise local awareness and create dialogue

14 Apr 2023

Kosovo: Basic IT training courses and educational grants

14 Apr 2023

Moldova: Helping refugees from Ukraine overcome digital literacy barriers

14 Apr 2023

Serbia: Ukrainian refugees attend online risk education 

04 Apr 2023

Fear of mines worries farmers in Ukraine as the planting season starts

03 Apr 2023

Meet Berin Muhić our Health Team Leader

24 Mar 2023

DRC donates eight laptops for the Canton Sarajevo Health Center

17 Mar 2023

Meet Adela Softić, our Project Team Leader

16 Mar 2023

DRC Secretary General: We have reached 3 million Ukrainians

08 Mar 2023

DRC receives grant for IT innovation and internet connectivity in Ukraine

08 Mar 2023

Development of skills among DRC staff on Gender-Based Violence in Bosnia & Hercegovina

06 Mar 2023

From Ukraine to Serbia: A living nightmare to escape war

03 Mar 2023

Meet Akin Duran, our Communication with Communities Officer

02 Mar 2023

Humanitarian mine action in Ukraine – much more than removing explosives

02 Mar 2023

One year after the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive: learnings on protection of refugees from Ukraine

27 Feb 2023

Meet Sanja Dželalagić, our Health Team Leader

24 Feb 2023

Romania – a safe haven and transit point for Ukrainian refugees

24 Feb 2023

Ukraine one year on:

24 Feb 2023

Joint humanitarian NGO statement: Ukraine one year on: Highlighting the needs of displaced Ukrainians in Georgia

23 Feb 2023

DRC clears villages in Kyiv Oblast littered with explosive ordnance

21 Feb 2023

DRC presence in southern Ukraine to reach newly accessible areas

21 Feb 2023

Meet Jovanka Runić, our Protection Team Leader

20 Feb 2023

Digital literacy classes for people on the move

16 Feb 2023

Meet Samir Aboukaf, our Translator and Cultural Mediator

14 Feb 2023

Looking for asylum for 18 years

13 Feb 2023

Heaven or hell at Italy’s northern borders

10 Feb 2023

Cooperation with health institutions to upgrade and improve services

09 Feb 2023

EU migration management: Wilful blindness to evidence of harmful human rights consequences

30 Jan 2023

Mykolaiv: A city without doors, windows and half of its citizens

27 Jan 2023

DRC focuses on improving access to primary and secondary health care to people on the move

26 Jan 2023

Protecting Rights at Borders: Beaten, punished, and pushed back

16 Jan 2023

Meet Faris Kulić, our Warehouse and Logistics Officer

12 Jan 2023

Protecting Rights at Borders (PRAB)

11 Jan 2023

Meet Erdumana Spahić, our Cultural Mediator and Translator

06 Jan 2023

Meet Mufid Khalili, our Protection Officer

29 Dec 2022

Moldova: Compassion, solidarity - and warmth

29 Dec 2022

Fleeing war in Ukraine - finding refuge in Serbia

29 Dec 2022

DRC Greece: Access to schools for migrant and refugee children

13 Dec 2022

Emergency shelter in Poland for refugees from Ukraine

13 Dec 2022

From surviving in basements in Ukraine to safety in Moldova

12 Dec 2022

EU’s actions on migratory routes must prioritize safe mobility and access to protection

08 Dec 2022

EU admits Croatia to Schengen Without Regard to Abuses at the Border

07 Dec 2022

DRC press release: Scaling up capacity in Moldova to host refugees from Ukraine

08 Nov 2022

Meet Ines Arnautović, our Health Team Leader

08 Sep 2022

Joint Statement: NGOs call on Member States

16 Dec 2021

12,000 pushbacks in 2021 reflects worrying normalization of illegal practice

03 Dec 2021

Need for calm and proportional response at the EUs external borders

26 Nov 2021

Joint Statement: Call on the EU: Restore Rights and Values at Europe’s Borders

03 Aug 2021

Croatia/EU Border Monitoring System: Effective Mechanism Needed - Independent, Broad Mandate, Adequate Resources

23 Jul 2021

Using family separation as deterrent – new report documents alarming illegal push-back methods

07 Jul 2021

Countering human smuggling: No silver bullet for safer mobility

12 May 2021

Push back of responsibility: Human Rights Violations as a Welcome Treatment at Europe’s Borders

18 Mar 2021

Open letter: Five years after the EU-Turkey Statement, European Civil Society Demands an End to Containment and Deterrence at the EU’s External Borders

10 Nov 2020

Turning rhetoric into reality: New monitoring mechanism at European borders should ensure fundamental rights and accountability

23 Sep 2020

Press release: Asylum and Migration Pact

<
03 Apr 2024
Community health and sanitation improvements in Mandera Coun…
>
28 Mar 2024
Ukraine: “I tried to hide in a cellar when a bomb hit my yar…