UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale remarks at documentary screening “Land of Silence”

Good evening, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and friends,

The impact of mines and explosive remnants of war weapons is massive and will linger for many generations of Ukrainians. It's not just the areas that are contaminated, but the areas that are levied to be contaminated. Since 24 February 2022, more than 400 people have been killed and nearly a thousand injured by mines and explosive remnants of war. 

UNDP, hosting today's event, as well as UNMAS, WFP, UNOPS, UNICEF, and FAO, are working hand-in-hand with Ukrainian authorities, from national ministries to oblast administrations - I was in Kherson recently and saw some of the work there- to help the authorities create strong institutions to approach demining. Our approach is rooted in a fundamental understanding: effective demining is not merely about clearing land and the explosive remnants of war. It’s about preventing the loss of life, revitalizing the economy, enabling women to join mine action and enabling the safe return of displaced communities to their homes, their farms, and their lives.

Ukraine is providing the global community with plenty of examples of learning on how to improve mine action efficacy and methodology. It's not only one way - support from the international community - we're learning a lot from you through innovative mapping and prioritization techniques, the strategic use of UAVs, and AI-powered image interpretation and big data analysis. Ukraine is really influencing the new international practices and standards of mine action.

However, it's not just technology. Your greatest asset and the biggest inspiration for us are your people. Many courageous individuals and teams, as I've seen them all over the country and especially near the frontline, deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. 

Today, we have a special guest in the room – Stanislav Kanibilotskyi, a graduate of UNDP’s Veterans One course, funded by the Netherlands, where we trained veterans with disability in imagery analysis for humanitarian mine action. Stanislav is now employed as a GIS officer by Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) – a commercial mine action operator in Ukraine. One of the many examples of heroes I'm talking about. 

The documentary film “Land of Silence” by Baza Production reveals the previously unseen battles and unwavering hope of those on the frontlines of demining. It’s a window into the lives of people who are making a profound difference every single day.

I’d like to thank UNDP, the Ministry of Economy, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Norwegian People Aid, our many development partners present in the room, and specifically the Government of the Republic of Korea for funding this film, BAZA Production for telling these stories of human courage, tireless dedication.