3 April 2025
Geneva, 2 April 2025 – More than 100 million people over 60 countries live with the threat of landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive ordnance, a term used to describe ammunition and weapons containing explosive.
For decades, Switzerland has had a major convening role for humanitarian mine action on a global scale, through organizations like the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). Contamination and casualties from landmines and other explosive remnants of war are on the rise, due to new and lasting conflicts in places like Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. Geneva is an important hub for efforts to advance life-saving mine action work globally.
"Humanitarian mine action is not just about clearing land—it is about protecting civilians, restoring livelihoods, and ensuring long-term stability," said Ambassador Tobias Privitelli, Director of the GICHD. “Through major events, bringing together leading experts and decision-makers, we support both practical operations in affected countries and strong norms and standards to make mine action work safe, efficient and effective."
Next week, three major mine action events are taking place in Geneva, supported by the GICHD and Switzerland.
- Ukraine Mine Action Partner Coordination Workshop (7–8 April) brings together Ukrainian officials, donors, and international experts to align support effectively with Ukraine’s 10-year national mine action strategy and work plan. Addressing the massive mine contamination in Ukraine is estimated to cost over 30 billion USD. The event is co-organized by the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy and the GICHD, and supported by key partners—Canada, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland.
- 28th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and UN Advisers (9–11 April) is the largest annual global gathering on mine action, where decision-makers and practitioners will discuss pressing challenges, best practices, and innovative solutions to improve the effectiveness of mine action worldwide. The event is co-organized by the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the GICHD.
- The 2025 Intersessional Meeting of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (7-8 April). States and other stakeholders discuss progress made and challenges related to the implementation of this treaty banning cluster munitions, weapons that have caused indiscriminate harm and suffering over the past decades.
Safe Futures Start Here
The 4th of April is recognized as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. The 2025 theme is “safe futures start here”, recognizing that clearing landmines protects civilian lives now and is key to recovery, peace and sustainable development. This year in Geneva, the day kicks off a week of events bringing the global mine action community together to combat the devastating impact of landmines and address urgent needs for sustained international action.
As a hub for multilateral diplomacy, Geneva plays a crucial role in coordinating mine action efforts. Switzerland’s commitment to international humanitarian law, peacebuilding, and sustainable development is reflected in its continued support for global demining initiatives and its long-term investment in GICHD’s work. As world leaders, practitioners, and donors gather next week, Geneva continues to play a pivotal role in mine action ensuring that safe futures start here.
Media Contact
For further information or interview requests, please contact:
Laura Collier
Communications Manager
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
Email: l.collier@gichd.org
About the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
The GICHD works to reduce risks that communities face from explosive ordnance– a term to describe ammunition and weapons containing explosives. Our work focuses on landmines, cluster munitions and explosive remnants of war, as well as conventional ammunition.
As a humanitarian organization with more than 90 staff from 30 countries, the GICHD provides expertise and technical support to governments, international and regional organisations, NGOs and companies in about 40 affected countries and territories, to develop and professionalise explosive ordnance risk reduction–i.e. mine action and ammunition management.
The GICHD works for and with our partners, together striving to ensure that international norms and standards are taken up in national systems and translated into strategic actions to protect communities affected by explosive ordnance. This work saves lives, facilitates the safe return of displaced populations, supports gender equality and inclusion, and promotes humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.
Founded by Switzerland in 1998, the GICHD has played a crucial role in helping to develop and professionalise work at all levels towards a world free from explosive ordnance risks, where communities thrive.
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