GICHD: One of Switzerland’s crucial partners for mine action in Ukraine
On 17-18 October 2024, Switzerland and Ukraine are jointly organizing the Ukraine Mine Action Conference UMAC2024 in Lausanne. In the run-up to the Conference, the Swiss activities in humanitarian demining in Ukraine are presented, starting with one of its closest partners, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). The GICHD supports the Ukrainian authorities in adapting its mine action programme to the new realities and planning ahead.
Thanks to over 25 years of involvement in mine action around the world, GICHD is perfectly placed to support the Ukrainian authorities. © GICHD
Mines and explosive ordnance pose a major problem for protecting civilians and securing livelihoods in Ukraine. Since 2022, Ukraine has become one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. More than 144,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory are potentially contaminated, representing 25% of the entire country or roughly 3.5 times the size of Switzerland. 6.1 million people are at risk.
Ukraine Mine Action Conference UMAC2024
On 17-18 October 2024, Switzerland and Ukraine are jointly organizing the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024) in Lausanne. UMAC2024 aims to bring together high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, civil society and academia. The focus will be on the broad aspects of humanitarian mine action under the guiding themes of “People. Partners. Progress.” The aim is to address the critical importance of mine action as a central component of social and economic recovery.
Humanitarian mine action is therefore a prerequisite for early recovery and future reconstruction, for the return of displaced people to their homes, and for access to livelihoods. Ukraine is taking the lead to make its population safe from mines and explosive remnants of war and to release land back to productive use. International partners, such as the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) are supporting Ukraine in these efforts. Switzerland is funding the GICHD through a multi-year project to enable a sustainable and long-term collaboration. The Centre began supporting Ukraine's national authorities in 2012 and, in response to growing needs, has significantly expanded its country programme since then.
For the Ukrainian mine action programme to rise up to the vast challenge and achieve its goals in an effective way, a thorough strategic planning is necessary. Thanks to over 25 years of involvement in mine action around the world, GICHD is perfectly placed to support the Ukrainian authorities. In 2023, it co-organized together with Ukraine several workshops to develop a long-term strategy and a respective implementation plan. The National Mine Action Strategy (2024-2033) and the Implementation Plan for the next three years were officially adopted by Ukraine in 2024 on the basis of this work. Drawing on its extensive global strategic planning experience, the GICHD together with the Ministry engaged national and international stakeholders to jointly develop a theory of change, which responds to evolving realities in Ukraine and provides a strong base for the national strategy. With Swiss support, the GICHD will continue supporting the strategy's implementation and monitoring.
Modern tools for effective implementation
The GICHD is a key player in information management and equips affected states with modern tools and know-how to make decisions based on reliable data. One concrete example is the identification and registration of suspected and confirmed hazardous areas. The Centre supports this process by providing modern, secure information management systems that compile, store, analyze and share accurate information. Information on mine contamination can come from very different sources, including state authorities, demining organizations or the public. This commitment is a fundamental basis for mine action in Ukraine and elsewhere.
Coordinating donors – and partners
GICHD fosters partnerships, dialogue, and cooperation at global, regional, and national levels. A strong example is the work to bridge national needs and international support for responsive mine action in Ukraine. There has been a sharp increase in funding over the last two years. Coordination between the Ukrainian national authorities, donors, international organizations, NGOs and operators is more important than ever to address quickly evolving needs. Switzerland supported the organization of two Donor Coordination Workshops. After a first edition in 2022 in Geneva, a second workshop was held in April 2024 in Kyiv. Representatives from more than 50 countries and organizations gathered to ensure that funds donated are aligned with the mine action needs and realities faced on the ground in Ukraine.
National and international mine action communities are working together and exploring solutions to accelerate progress. Among these are the development and use of innovative technologies, like drones, satellite images and sensors, as well as new partnerships and sustainable funding mechanisms. An emerging priority is to ensure that evolving efforts conform to the International Mine Action Standards. These standards were co-developed by the GICHD and guide mine action in a way that is safe, efficient, and effective. They are designed to be tailored to national and local contexts, including the realities of working in a conflict situation and, subsequently, provide a framework in which innovation can thrive. GICHD is enhancing the national capacities through constant training courses in all relevant fields of mine action.
A partner for Switzerland in mine action
The GICHD is an essential partner for Switzerland in achieving its long-term goal of a world in which people can live without the risks of mines and other explosive ordnance, thus enabling sustainable economic and social development. The Centre also offers Switzerland its most valuable support and expertise in preparing and organizing the UMAC2024.
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), founded on April 28, 1998 in Geneva, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023. The Centre was born of a Swiss initiative and is committed to reducing the risks caused by explosive devices. The focus is on landmines, cluster munitions and ammunition stockpiles. The GICHD makes an important contribution to the ongoing development and implementation of international mine action standards. The Centre contributes to the development and professionalization of the sector. Each year, the GICHD supports around 40 affected states and territories. In 2023, the Swiss Parliament approved the 2024-2027 commitment credit for the three Geneva centers (GCSP, GICHD, DCAF). Through this framework credit, Switzerland currently funds the GICHD to the tune of just over 9.5 million francs a year, contributing around 50% of its budget.
