KYIV, 22 May 2024 – The Republic of Korea will contribute U.S. $8 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to expand mine action activities in war-affected communities. The Korean-funded initiative will focus on boosting area-based innovative technologies in landmine clearance, raising capacities to ensure public safety from landmines, and improving access to rehabilitation for mine victims at the local level. 

The Ukrainian government estimates that 25% of the country – an area 1.5 times the size of the Republic of Korea – is potentially contaminated by mines, with consequent risks to citizens. By the end of April 2024, there were 32,100 civilian casualties from the war in Ukraine, including 21,154 injured, of which 1,195 were victims of mines and explosive remnants of war. At a time when there is an urgent need to bolster mine action at the local level and to create accessibility to rehabilitation services – given the increase of persons with disabilities caused by the war – this funding is crucial for reducing the socio-economic impact of explosive ordnance contamination.

Kim Hyung Tae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ukraine, underscored the importance of combining cutting-edge technology with a people-centric focus to drive progressive advances in Ukraine's demining efforts. 

“It’s vital to support initiatives in the most vulnerable areas, particularly when considering the risks to the lives and health of the local population,” the ambassador said. “These communities urgently need assistance as they strive to recover and rebuild, and it’s an honour to play an active role in supporting them.”

Commenting on the funding from the Republic of Korea, UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers said that this initiative would play a significant role in Ukraine's local recovery and highlighted that mine action was vital for the effectiveness of this process. 

“With this crucial support from the Republic of Korea, we’re not only significantly advancing mine action in Ukraine, but also strengthening and disseminating the best practices for victim assistance within communities” Cilliers said. 

“This, in turn, will help demonstrate the need for, and the effectiveness of, a comprehensive approach to mine action, in which land is cleared of mines and human lives are freed from danger and uncertainty.”

The initiative involves the following areas of implementation:

• Clearing landmines and removing debris in housing areas, areas of critical infrastructure, and agricultural land, using innovative technologies such as remote sensing and artificial intelligence.
• Developing the capacities of national counterparts through train-and-equip activities.
• Ensuring public safety and civilian protection in frontline and rural communities through Explosive Ordnance Risk Education.
• Strengthening physical rehabilitation, mental health, and psychosocial support for community residents, and supporting local authorities in implementing the mine victim assistance model.

Media enquiries:  

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org