UDS representatives participate in land release training in mine action

Our colleagues are taking part in the Land Release in Mine Action training course, which is being held from 15 to 25 June 2026. The course is organized and delivered by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).

Land release is a key component of humanitarian demining that involves the systematic process of reclassifying suspected or hazardous areas as safe and returning them to productive use. The training program covers all elements of this process, including non-technical survey, technical survey, clearance (demining), and the formal handover of cleared land to communities or agricultural producers.

Participants include representatives of mine action operators and humanitarian demining organizations, including the Ukrainian Deminers Association, Patron Demining, the Ukrainian Demining Center, the Return to Life Charitable Foundation, Humanitarian Security LLC, Transimpex Demining, Grim 2023, and others.

For UDS, this topic has direct practical relevance, as documentary support and the planning of land release operations are integral parts of our daily work.

The training combines both theoretical and practical components, including classroom sessions and field exercises, and is based on the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and global best practices.

“This is an extremely valuable experience for me. The knowledge shared by the Centre’s experts will help me better plan and organize operations in line with international best practices. It will also enable me, in my role as a manager, to make more informed decisions regarding land release planning and to contribute to the faster and safer return of land to productive use,” said Iryna Shkarlat, Head of the Mine Action Process Documentation Support Department at UDS.

Background Information

Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) works to reduce risks to communities posed by explosive ordnance, with a particular focus on landmines, cluster munitions, other explosive remnants of war, and ammunition stockpiles.

The Centre supports the development and professionalization of the sector for the benefit of its partners, including national and local authorities, donors, the United Nations, international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, commercial companies, and academia. This is achieved through a combination of three complementary areas of work: field support focused on capacity development and advisory services, multilateral engagement focused on norms and standards, and research and development focused on innovative solutions.