Norway Boosts Funding as Mines Threaten One-Fifth of Ukraine

Around 133,000 square kilometres of Ukraine - one-fifth of the country - is potentially contaminated with landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war, an area larger than Hungary and Denmark combined.

The vast swathes of explosives contamination are a major long-term threat to civilians and an obstacle to Ukraine’s rebuilding and long-term recovery.

With the conflict now in its fourth year and  Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure intensifying as winter approaches, large areas of residential and agricultural land are expected to remain contaminated for years to come. 

Norway is now scaling up its support for three humanitarian organisations, including The HALO Trust, working to clear mines and explosives, helping make land safer for civilians and enabling communities to return land to productive use, including farming.

“For people living in contaminated areas, the danger is often invisible but never far away,” says Simon Tiller, Head of HALO Europe.

“We are extremely grateful to the Norwegian government for its continued support for HALO’s work in Ukraine. 

"This funding will help HALO remove one of the most enduring and deadly legacies of the war. Clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance gives people back something fundamental: the ability to walk safely to school or work, cultivate their land and rebuild their communities without the constant fear of what might be beneath their feet.”  

Norwegian support will fund mine clearance, assistance and rehabilitation for mine survivors, risk education for communities, and national coordination and advocacy.  

Since 2022, Norway has provided more than NOK 1 billion to humanitarian demining organisations working to clear mines and explosives in Ukraine, with funding running through 2026.

The new support forms part of a wider NOK 1 billion call for proposals, including NOK 600 million for mine clearance globally.

About The HALO Trust

• The HALO Trust is the world's largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation.

• HALO works in 30+ countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Colombia, Angola and Sri Lanka.

• We deploy groundbreaking technology in conflict and post-conflict settings to help people rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods and keep their children safe.

• HALO also runs programmes in weapons and ammunition management and safety training. During emergencies, we also provide humanitarian aid and logistical support.

• HALO was founded in 1988 in Afghanistan.

• We employ over 8,000 staff worldwide and recruit 95% of them locally.