KYIV, 31 July 2023 – Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, arrived in Kyiv today for bilateral meetings with Government, UNDP and other international organizations. Croatia is a long-standing partner to UNDP and is one of the biggest contributors to its Mine Action Programme in Ukraine, along with the European Union, Denmark, France, Japan, New Zealand, and Sweden.

The Minister met with Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers to discuss demining plans and to ensure funds provided by Croatia are utilized effectively. “Croatia is eager to share its valuable experience from the war to assist Ukraine,” he said. “Due to their significant on-the-ground presence and their role as the lead of the United Nations Mine Action Area of Responsibility (AoR) in Ukraine, the United Nations Development Programme has proven to be the ideal implementation partner. We are confident that this collaboration will yield the best possible outcomes, fostering safety and development in Ukraine.”

Cilliers said as the war continues, the partnership between Ukraine and Croatia to remove mines and unexploded ordnance takes on even greater significance, exemplifying the transformative impact that international cooperation can have in times of crisis. “With Croatia's generous contribution, UNDP stands unwavering in its commitment to utilize every penny to the utmost effect,” he said. “We recognize the immense responsibility entrusted to us, and with resolute determination, we are channeling these resources to safeguard civilian lives, clear hazardous areas, and facilitate the path to recovery and resilience.”

Croatia is well known as a hub for innovation, particularly within the field of mechanical mine clearance, and will host an International Donor Conference on Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine on 11 and 12 October in Zagreb as “a platform to mobilize additional international support and resources for demining activities in Ukraine.” Under its financial contribution of $4.3 million to UNDP, Croatia has provided the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) with specialized equipment for use in mine action activities.

Background information: Ukraine is now one of the world’s most heavily mine-contaminated countries. It’s estimated that about one-third of the country has been exposed to war—an area four times the size of Switzerland. UNDP has been working with Ukraine’s government for 30 years and has led the UN’s mine action programme since 2016. We are a lead partner supporting SESU, ensuring that a strengthening of operational and logistical backing through international funds and expertise translates to a more efficient response to the risks posed by explosive remnants of war.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org