Breakfast Conversation: Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine: A contribution to Peace

On 17-28 October 2024, Switzerland and Ukraine will jointly host the Ukraine Mine Action Conference UMAC2024 in Lausanne, focusing on the critical importance of mine clearance for rebuilding society and the economy. The Lausanne conference will take place a few months after an international summit on Peace in Ukraine was held in Buergenstock, Switzerland in June 2024, in which representatives from 92 countries participated. The conference followed a series of international meetings and was hosted by the Swiss President, Ms. Viola Amherd.
Today, Ukraine is one of the most affected countries by antipersonnel mines in the world, with close to a quarter of its territory exposed to war and potentially contaminated by mines and other explosive ordnance. Landmines not only kill and maim, but also prevent freedom of movement and cuts people from their livelihoods. Historically one of Europe’s breadbaskets, Ukraine is therefore unable to fully resume its agricultural production due to the heavy mining of its fields, roads, waterways and ports.
Over two years after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, thousands of civilians, including children, have been killed or injured. Vital social services and infrastructure have been destroyed, and millions of people have been displaced internally or were forced to seek refuge in other countries. Millions are dependent on humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, the country has shown enormous resilience during conflict, and despite undergoing enormous strains and challenges, Ukrainian civil society is playing a major part in providing humanitarian assistance, including in mine action.

The Geneva Peace Week breakfast conversation will provide an opportunity to hear the perspectives of invitees on the following questions:
1) What are the main challenges facing mine action in Ukraine today and what role can humanitarian demining play on the road to peace?
2) What is the role of civil society in Ukraine in these efforts and how are local communities involved in mine action efforts?
The format of the meeting will entail a series of questions to the Panelists posed by the moderator, followed by an open discussion.

Speakers

Mr. Victor Liakh - President of the East Europe Foundation, Kyiv
Mr. Pablo Parra - Mine Action Advisor in Ukraine (speaking in his personal capacity)
Dr. Peter Reuss - Head of Division S07/Centre for humanitarian action, German Federal Foreign Office (TBC)

Closed door

This is a closed door event, only, which can only be attended  upon invitation. 

Live streaming

This is a closed door event and  will only be offered in person, upon invitation only.

Main organiser

• Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining