International appeal for humanitarian demining in Ukraine adopted in Lausanne
Bern, 17.10.2024 - The first day of the Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2024 ended today with the presentation of the Lausanne Call for Action, which reaffirms the support of the majority of the countries present for humanitarian demining in Ukraine and around the world. The appeal calls for the needs of victims and disabled people to be addressed and promoting partnership and innovation to increase effectiveness in mine action. The conference, held in Lausanne at the EHL Hospitality Business School, brings together representatives of states, international organisations and partners in humanitarian demining.
61 delegations met on 17 and 18 October 2024 in Lausanne for the Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2024 (UMAC2024). At the end of the first high-level day, the Lausanne Call for Action was adopted, calling for concrete action by states on humanitarian demining in Ukraine. This includes, for example, the swift and safe rehabilitation of agricultural areas, the economic and social reintegration of victims with disabilities, the promotion of international cooperation between the various partners active on the ground, and the exchange of experience and knowledge to foster innovative methods and technologies that increase the effectiveness of mine action at a global level. The text was presented by Switzerland and Ukraine, together with Croatia, which hosted the last mine action conference, and Japan, which will host the 2025 edition.
Civil population, partnerships and innovation at centre of debate
The event, hosted jointly by Switzerland and Ukraine, features debates and discussions based on three pillars – people, partners and progress – with the aim of highlighting the crucial importance of humanitarian demining as an integral part of the country's economic and social reconstruction. The conference was opened by the Swiss president, Viola Amherd and the Ukrainian prime minister, Denys Shmyhal. The Swiss president emphasised in her speech that humanitarian demining is a priority for Switzerland: "Humanitarian demining is not only a security issue, but also a prerequisite for recovery, especially for the restoration of agricultural production and children's education."
Also speaking at UMAC2024 will be figures from the scientific community and civil society, such as British photographer Giles Duley, a landmine survivor and UN Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict situations and peacebuilding situations, and philanthropist Howard G. Buffett, chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett foundation.
Switzerland's concrete support for humanitarian demining
During the conference, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, reiterated the importance of international cooperation in humanitarian demining and reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to the reconstruction of Ukraine, based on the Lugano Principles adopted in 2022. He also pointed out that the Federal Council decided last week to grant an additional CHF 30 million to the Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD) to extend its activities in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions until 2027. "Thanks to partners such as FSD and the International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, Switzerland is providing direct, effective support in Ukraine," said Cassis. Since February 2022, the Swiss federal government has implemented various measures to support those affected by the war and allocated around CHF 3.7 billion. Last year the Federal Council approved CHF 100 million in support over four years, earmarked exclusively for mine action in Ukraine.
Switzerland reiterates solidarity with Ukraine
At the UMAC2024, a delegation from the Federal Council, led by President Viola Amherd, met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The meeting was dedicated to possible steps towards peace, reconstruction and solidarity with Ukraine in the face of the energy shortage in the upcoming winter months. The Swiss delegation, which included Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, emphasised Switzerland's continued and long-term solidarity with Ukraine.
Following the Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort in June, the two sides discussed further possible substantive steps towards a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. For Switzerland, it is clear that any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter. Switzerland remains ready to offer its good offices with the aim of supporting firm steps towards the inclusion of both parties. The thematic follow-up conference scheduled to be held in Montreal at the end of October on the human dimension, the fate of prisoners of war, arbitrarily detained civilians and abducted children was also discussed. A further important topic of discussion was Switzerland's support for Ukraine and the reconstruction effort, to which the Federal Council attaches strategic importance.
The Vaud cantonal police are implementing the necessary security measures for the UMAC2024, adapted to the assessment of the situation and in close cooperation with the Federal Office of Police (fedpol). The Swiss Armed Forces provide them with support, in particular in the areas of personnel transport, logistics, air surveillance and air transport.
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