UN relief chief: Demining Ukraine is a humanitarian priority

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths Remarks at event on
Humanitarian demining in Ukraine and its consequences for food security

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to thank Italy and Ukraine for convening this important meeting, which comes as we approach two years since the full-scale invasion, and 10 years of armed conflict in the east of Ukraine.

The full-scale invasion has wrought untold devastation on towns, cities and communities across Ukraine.

It has driven millions from their land and homes.

And while bombs and drones have brought death and destruction to thousands from above, it has also left a lethal legacy beneath the ground.

Today, Ukraine is one of the most heavily mine-contaminated countries in the world: an incredible one-third of its territory is estimated to be affected.

In frontline and liberated communities, landmines and explosive remnants of war have left behind a tragic trail of causalities, injuries, and disabilities.

In one of Europe and the world’s most important agricultural regions, they have rendered large swathes of farmland unsafe and unusable, deepening food insecurity and Ukraine’s ability to deliver its full and crucial contribution to global supply chains.  

And in a country in which more than 14 million people require humanitarian assistance, they are preventing the safe and timely delivery of aid.

It could take decades if not generations to rid the land of these remnants of war.

Without concerted action, explosive hazards will continue to claim and ruin lives.

They will trap communities struggling to regain a sense of normality in cycles of fear and uncertainty.  

And they will hinder reconstruction and economic recovery, prolonging food insecurity and the reliance on humanitarian assistance.

Demining Ukraine is therefore a humanitarian priority.

It is why this year’s humanitarian needs and response plan for Ukraine appeals for significant resources to help Ukraine mitigate the hazardous impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

And it is why I welcome today’s meeting as an important opportunity to discuss how the international community can support Ukraine in ridding itself of this malignant scourge: A key step towards the people of Ukraine once again being able to walk and work their lands in safety.

Thank you.