Kyiv, 30 October 2024 – Marking a significant milestone in Ukraine’s post-war recovery efforts, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial support from the governments of Sweden and France, has initiated the development of a National Action Plan on Explosive Ordnance (EO) Victim Assistance.

The move is in response to the urgent need for a cohesive national approach, UNDP said. It has established an Intersectoral Task Force Group to lead the coordination and development of this plan, ensuring that Ukraine’s victim assistance efforts are comprehensive, inclusive, and aligned with international standards.

The First Meeting of the Intersectoral Task Force Group was held in Kyiv on 30 October 2024. The meeting brought together representatives from key Ukrainian ministries, international organizations, and civil society to collaborate on creating a roadmap for victim assistance that will cover the period from 2025 to 2027. The working group’s mission is to design and implement a sustainable and effective plan to address the multifaceted needs of EO victims. This includes their medical and psychological treatment, and socio-economic recovery.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of a coordinated national approach, saying that, “the launch of this task force is a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s recovery journey.”

“As we develop a comprehensive National Action Plan, we ensure that the needs of EO victims are met with a coordinated, multi-sectoral response,” Cilliers added. “UNDP is proud to support Ukraine’s efforts in creating a system that not only aids recovery but also empowers survivors, fostering their full reintegration into society.”

The initiative is part of UNDP’s broader activities to address Ukraine’s widespread contamination by explosive ordnance. The National Action Plan will be aligned with both International Mine Action Standards (IMAS 13.10) and Ukraine’s National Mine Action Strategy, ensuring that the system of assistance reflects best practices and effectively addresses the complex needs of victims and affected communities.

Dmytro Panshyn, Head of the Humanitarian Demining Department at the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, also highlighted the importance of collective action:

“By uniting the efforts of government bodies, civil society, and international organizations, we’re building a victim assistance system that is inclusive and responsive to the challenges EO victims face,” Panshyn said. “This action plan will not only provide immediate relief, but also ensure long-term support for their reintegration and socio-economic recovery.”

The Task Force includes a diverse range of stakeholders, from government ministries such as the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Veterans Affairs, and Ministry of Internal Affairs, to national and international non-governmental organizations. Civil society groups, including Fight for Right, the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Deminers Association, will play an essential role in shaping the plan to ensure that it includes the perspectives of EO survivors.

Jakub Walenda, Program Manager for the Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding Programme at the Danish Refugee Council, and founder and co-chair of the Victim Assistance Working Group, outlined the initiative's key objectives:

“The development of this National Action Plan marks a critical step toward addressing the long-term needs of EO victims,” Walenda stated. “This plan, alongside the coordinated and complementary efforts of the Victim Assistance Working Group, provides a framework for delivering comprehensive support that addresses all aspects of recovery – from healthcare and psychological support to socio-economic reintegration. By working together, the Working Group, its members, service providers, and UNDP, we can ensure that no survivor is left behind.” 

The primary responsibilities of the Task Force are conceptualizing the Action Plan through consultations with experts, ensuring that the proposed improvements to victim assistance systems are rigorously developed. The working group will participate in three meetings to collaboratively refine the draft of the National Action Plan. Throughout the process, the Task Force will ensure the alignment of the plan with national priorities and international best practices, strengthening the framework for long-term victim assistance.

The working group will explore innovative approaches to victim assistance, drawing on best practices from other post-war countries and tailoring solutions to Ukraine’s unique context. These efforts will focus on strengthening healthcare and rehabilitation services, expanding social and economic opportunities for survivors, and improving public awareness of the challenges faced by EO victims.

The first meeting of the group featured presentations on Ukraine’s National Mine Action Strategy and key findings from recent assessments of victim needs in Kharkiv, Kherson, and Mykolaiv Oblasts, where explosive ordnance contamination remains a critical issue. Representatives from international organizations and civil society participated in thematic group discussions, developing proposals that will be incorporated into the final action plan.

As Ukraine continues to face the long-term impacts of explosive ordnance contamination, this initiative aims to enhance the country’s resilience by fostering a coordinated response to victim needs. The next steps include ongoing consultations and meetings, with the goal of finalizing the National Action Plan by early 2025.

UNDP will continue to support the implementation of this plan through close collaboration with the Government of Ukraine and international partners, ensuring that EO victims receive the comprehensive care they need to rebuild their lives.

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