Kyiv, 29 October 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and with the financial support of the Government of Sweden, hosted a specialized seminar titled “Equal Opportunities: Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Mine Action.” The event gathered key stakeholders from governmental bodies, international organizations, mine action operators, and civil society to discuss practical solutions for creating inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Ukraine’s mine action sector.

The seminar aimed to address the critical need for inclusivity in mine action, a sector that has expanded due to ongoing demining efforts in Ukraine. The participants focused on developing practical recommendations to help mine action operators provide accessible working environments for persons with disabilities. Creating such opportunities enables Ukraine to empower individuals to play a crucial role in the country’s recovery and socio-economic rebuilding.

Opening the event, Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in all sectors of Ukraine’s recovery efforts, particularly in mine action:

“Ensuring equal opportunities for all, especially for persons with disabilities, is central to our collective work in rebuilding Ukraine. The mine action sector, with its growing demand for skilled workers, offers new possibilities for those often overlooked by traditional employment sectors. By involving persons with disabilities in this important work, we not only promote social equity but also tap into a wealth of potential that can accelerate Ukraine’s recovery.”

Throughout the seminar, discussions and practical exercises focused on equipping participants with the tools necessary to make mine action more accessible. Sessions covered topics such as legal aspects of employment for persons with disabilities, functional assessment for workplace adaptation, and effective case management for integrating persons with disabilities into the workforce. 

Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, underscored the broader societal impact of inclusivity:

“The opportunity for people with disabilities to find employment and realize themselves in fields that interest them is not only a matter of fairness but also an investment in the resilience of our nation. By opening doors for employment in sectors like mine action, we enhance our ability to make Ukrainian land safe more quickly. We also take an inclusive approach to rebuilding the country, involving people with disabilities in these processes.”

The training concluded with a practical session where participants developed tailored workplace adaptation strategies and shared feedback on case studies. The outcomes of the seminar will contribute to the development of official guidelines for mine action operators on how to employ persons with disabilities effectively and inclusively. These guidelines are part of a broader effort to ensure that all Ukrainians can participate in rebuilding their country, regardless of physical ability.

This event is part of UNDP’s Mine Action Project in Ukraine, supported by international partners such as Sweden, Japan, the European Union, and the Republic of Korea. These initiatives reflect UNDP’s commitment to advancing social inclusion and resilience as Ukraine continues its recovery from the devastating impacts of explosive ordnance.

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