Ukrainian Red Cross expands scope of humanitarian demining activities
Mine risk specialists are undergoing a specialized training course in non-technical survey (NTS) of contaminated areas, supported by the Italian Red Cross and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
According to a statement by the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) on Facebook, once the NTS course is completed, the trained specialists will implement their new knowledge across 19 regions of Ukraine, ensuring that every community knows how to act in hazardous environments.
Non-technical survey is a systematic approach that involves working directly with communities to identify potentially dangerous areas without the use of technical equipment. Specialists gather and analyze eyewitness accounts from local residents, examine visual indicators in the area, and study data on past combat operations to determine possible risk zones.
As a result of the ongoing war, Ukraine is facing an unprecedented level of landmine contamination. Tripwires, anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) may remain a threat for many years after active hostilities end. Raising awareness about the risks posed by explosive remnants of war and promoting safe behavior is only the first step in protecting civilians. The next critical step is conducting non-technical surveys of potentially contaminated territories.