DRC- Support to Ukraine recovery through Mine Action response


Mine action is a priority of Switzerland’s cooperation program in Ukraine. Throught the proposed project, Switzerland contributes to enhancing the safety and livelihoods of communities affected by explosive ordnance (EO) in Kharkiv Oblast. It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating mine action, protection, and economic recovery, while strengthening civil society capacities at the local level. Thus, the project improves the local protective environment and economic stability, sustainably contributing to the recovery of Ukraine.

Pays/région Thème Période Budget
Ukraine
Conflit & fragilité
Enlèvement des mines terrestres
01.06.2025 - 31.05.2027
CHF  7’560’000
Contexte Ukraine, one of the world’s most heavily mine-contaminated countries, has an estimate of 138,503 km2 of territory which needs to be surveyed for contamination. The Ukraine 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) estimates that 5.4 million people are in need of humanitarian mine action (HMA), with 18 raions (territorial districts) facing severe contamination. The contamination has had a profound impact on livelihoods, especially in agriculture. Over five million hectares of agricultural land are now unusable due to mines and ongoing conflict, including 50% of the total agricultural land in Kharkiv Oblast. Farmers face severe challenges, while the constant threat of EO has a considerable impact on the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of civilian population. 72% of Kharkiv residents feel unsafe due to shelling, the presence of armed actors, and EO contamination. People directly affected by EO have a severe impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing, while survivors experience grief due to the loss of their previous physical appearance but also mental capabilities and family roles. Access to essential services for EO victims remains critically limited, especially in rural areas. Survivors of landmine and UXO accidents often suffer long-term disabilities but face barriers in accessing medical care and rehabilitation.
Objectifs

To improve overall safety and resilience of EO impacted and conflict-affected communities in Ukraine through integrated recovery activities.

In order to strenghten sustainability, these activities and results will be implemented and achieved through the transfer of knowledge and capacities to local organizations.

Groupes cibles

The main target group is individuals directly affected by EO whom will receive targeted and integrated assistance: Clearance, Non-Technical survey, EO Risk Education, livelihood and economic recovery support for farms. In addition, EO Victims will receive protection assistance, incl. legal, mental health and case management.

Further, three national civil society organizations (CSOs) will receive mentorship and trainings in Mine Action related activities, such as EORE, NTS, clearance and others, as well as support in their accreditation process.

Effets à moyen terme

Outcome 1: Improved safe access to and productive use of land for displaced and conflict-affected communities 

Outcome 2: Enhanced protective environment for persons affected by explosive ordnance through provision of comprehensive protection assistance

Outcome 3: Local CSOs have strengthened capacity to engage in the humanitarian mine action sector 

Résultats

Principaux résultats attendus:  

Output 1.1 Land is cleared of EO, ensuring safe access for communities

Output 1.2: Hazardous areas are identified through non-technical surveys (NTS)

Output 1.3: Community members are informed and educated on EO risks

Output 1.4: Protect and restore essential livelihoods of war-affected people and support off-farm and on-farm livelihoods for vulnerable households

Output 1.5: Small businesses recover and contribute to local economic revitalization

Output 2.1: EO-affected individuals have access to safe and appropriate protection services

Output 2.2: EO-affected individuals have access to legal services

Output 2.3: Coordination and standardization of victim assistance (VA) is strengthened

Output 3.1: CSO staff increased skills and knowledge on humanitarian mine action and other relevant topics 


Principaux résultats antérieurs:   N.A.


Direction/office fédéral responsable DDC
Partenaire de projet Partenaire contractuel
ONG internationale ou étrangère
  • Other international or foreign NGO North


Coordination avec d'autres projets et acteurs

DRC sits in all relevant coordination body in Ukraine. It is a member of the Mine Action AoR (under the Protection Cluster) and founder and co-chair of the Victim Assistance Working Group.

The project is fully in line with others Swiss funded HMA projects and has close links with WFP/FAO and HI projects through data exchange and strengthened victim assistance approach.

SDC in Kyiv will guarantee synergies are exploited.

Budget Phase en cours Budget de la Suisse CHF    7’560’000 Budget suisse déjà attribué CHF    0 Projet total depuis la première phase Budget de la Suisse CHF   0 Budget y compris partenaires de projet CHF   7’560’000
Phases du projet Phase 1 01.06.2025 - 31.05.2027   (Phase en cours)