Marking the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (4 April), UNDP in Armenia, together with the Center for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise (CHDE), convened local and international partners in Yerevan through the National Mine Action Coordination Platform to strengthen coordinated efforts in addressing explosive ordnance contamination in Armenia.

Mine contamination continues to affect over 43 million square meters of land and more than 230,000 people in Armenia. Through the EU-funded “European Union Support to Clearance Action for Safety and Security in Explosive Ordnance-Affected Communities in Armenia” (EU CASSIA) project, implemented by UNDP in partnership with the European Union and CHDE, significant progress has been achieved.

In 2025 alone, with UNDP support over 317,000 square meters of land contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war were cleared, enabling more than 107,000 people to safely access land, livelihoods, and essential services. 

Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, Eduard Petrosyan, CHDE Director, and Giuseppina Grillo, EC FPI Project Manager for Balkans and South Caucasus reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening Armenia’s mine action system and enhancing community safety.

“We deeply value our close partnership with the European Commission and CHDE in strengthening Armenia’s security, resilience, and national mine action agenda. Together, we are not only clearing contaminated land but also building institutions, empowering professionals, and helping communities reclaim their safety and livelihoods,” said Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia.

The Platform meeting also featured the presentation of an innovative AR/VR-based demining training module, designed to ensure safer and more effective training for deminers, while equipping CHDE with modern, technology-driven training tools.

Together with CHDE and partners, UNDP remains committed to building safer, more resilient communities and advancing a mine-free Armenia.