Kyiv, 20 May, 2025 – National and local authorities, international organizations, and civil society leaders gathered in Kyiv today for the high-level conference “Pathways to Resilience: Strategies for Explosive Ordnance Victim Assistance in Community”, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine with financial support from the governments of Spain, Republic of Korea and Japan. The event underscored the urgent need for coordinated, survivor-centred responses to the needs of communities affected by explosive ordnance (EO) and celebrated the progress made through inclusive recovery efforts.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has become one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. As of February 2025, The HALO Trust has estimated that over 138,000 square kilometers of Ukraine — an area larger than Greece — has been affected by landmines and unexploded remnants of war, making it one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Thousands of civilians have been injured, killed, or left with life-altering disabilities. A recent UNDP-led survey revealed that 90% of EO victims report facing barriers in accessing critical services — and fewer than half say they received the support they needed. These statistics highlight the relevance and urgency of developing a comprehensive, rights-based approach to victim assistance, as Ukraine moves forward with its national recovery.

The conference provided a platform for dialogue on how to scale effective victim assistance models, strengthen national and local frameworks, and ensure no one is left behind in Ukraine’s recovery.

“Victim assistance is not an afterthought — it is central to inclusive and long-term recovery,” said Christophoros Politis, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Ukraine. “Through this initiative, we are strengthening systems that restore dignity, promote resilience, and ensure people affected by explosive ordnance are empowered to rebuild their lives. Ukraine’s experience in developing a comprehensive National Action Plan could be a model for other post-conflict contexts.”

The event showcased the UNDP-developed Victim Assistance Model — a multi-sectoral framework combining medical support, psychosocial care, legal aid, rehabilitation, and socio-economic inclusion. With support from donor partners including the governments of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Spain, the model has already been rolled out in over 60 communities across war-affected oblasts, laying the foundation for the Government of Ukraine’s National Action Plan on Victim Assistance.

“True recovery is only possible when it is barrier-free,” emphasized Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for Barrier-Free Environment. “Every policy, every project must be designed with accessibility at its core. This is not just about infrastructure — it is about dignity, autonomy, and the right to participate fully in society.”

Throughout the day, participants discussed the needs of EO-affected people and explored how personalized, community-based services — such as mobile rehabilitation units, inclusive employment programmes, and psychosocial outreach — can be embedded into Ukraine’s broader recovery and social protection systems.

“Mine action is always about people — those who have been affected, and those who must not be. Those who need support from the state and organizations working on this issue. Those who, despite their injuries, are ready to contribute to making our land safer. And those who will stay away from mined areas thanks to effective risk education. We firmly believe that the issue of explosive ordnance victims requires a comprehensive, coordinated response involving all relevant stakeholders — the state, local communities, and society at large. Only through joint efforts can we establish an effective coordination mechanism and develop a holistic policy, instead of fragmented solutions,” said Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

The event concluded with the presentation of the Almanac of Barrier-Free Projects, a curated collection of inclusive design solutions developed by graduates of the UNDP’s Universal Design School, held from October to December 2024. The Almanac features 13 real-life projects developed in communities across Ukraine — from making cultural landmarks and educational institutions more accessible, to creating inclusive recreational areas and residential spaces — all created as part of the School’s intensive training programme. These initiatives reflect a new generation of specialists committed to making Ukrainian cities and services barrier-free, and serve as practical examples of how universal design principles can be translated into action at the local level.

As Ukraine faces the complex task of rebuilding from war, this conference sent a powerful message: victim assistance is not just a humanitarian necessity — it is a foundation for sustainable development, social justice, and national resilience. The initiative stands as a testament to Ukraine’s determination to recover stronger, more inclusive, and with every voice at the heart of its future.

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