A project to train people affected by explosive ordnance in mine action has been launched in Ukraine. 12 participants will be trained on how to use UAVs and image analysis for humanitarian mine action. Most of the participants are veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The project is implemented by the United Nations Development Program in Ukraine with the support of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the State Employment Center. Financial support is provided by the Government of the Netherlands.

The goal of the project is to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities and facilitate humanitarian demining in Ukraine through innovative technologies, where the involvement of highly qualified specialists is extremely important.

«Mine action technologies are now developing very rapidly. Based on the analysis of satellite images, it is possible to calculate the damage that certain areas have suffered as a result of shelling and mining. And with the help of drones and neural networks, up to 70% of explosive objects can be found. But the human role remains crucial. And we need specialists who can operate UAVs to survey areas and analyze aerial photos. It is extremely important for me that the program involves people who have been affected by explosive ordnance themselves and will now be able to join in clearing our communities of mines and other explosive remnants of war,» said Deputy Minister of Economy Ihor Bezkaravaynyi. 

During the three-week training program, participants will gain theoretical knowledge, learn about various aspects of UAV operation and data collection and analysis. The program will also include field trips to learn how to use UAVs for non-technical and technical surveys with the participation of HALO Trust, the largest international mine action operator, and training in explosive ordnance detection at the Zhytomyr Police Academy. The knowledge gained will allow the participants to be well prepared for effective work in the field of mine action.

«The Netherlands is proud to support this valuable initiative. By empowering people with disabilities through specialized training in UAV technology, we are not only improving their employment prospects, but also contributing to the important task of demining in Ukraine. The skills and opportunities gained during the training are crucial for rebuilding the lives of individuals and communities,» said Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ukraine Alle Dorhout.

The project is being implemented in close cooperation with national and international mine action partners to ensure that the training program is consistent with best practices and industry standards.

«By engaging people with disabilities in mine action, we are not only providing them with valuable skills, but also strengthening the overall capacity of the mine action sector in Ukraine. We are grateful to the Government of the Netherlands for their support and partnership in this endeavor,» said UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers.

It is worth mentioning that the issue of humanitarian demining is overseen by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko. The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine ensures the interaction of central executive authorities in the mine action field, particularly in the area of humanitarian demining.