Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine: Legal Requirements and Safety Standards
Cost of services:
Reviews of our Clients
Almost every day we hear news about mine explosions, which pose a danger to both military personnel and civilians. Ukraine is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, and after the liberation of occupied territories the scale of the problem continues to grow. Roads, schools, hospitals, and residential areas remain unsafe for movement.
In these conditions, mine action is no longer just a technical task aimed at ensuring safety. It has become a necessary step for rebuilding infrastructure and restoring normal life for people. However, untrained or illegal organizations create additional risks, and mistakes in demining can cost lives.
That is why such activities are strictly regulated by the state and require mandatory certification. Understanding the legal framework, organizational requirements, and staff qualifications is essential for any operator involved in mine action.
In this article, we explain who is legally allowed to conduct humanitarian demining, how to obtain certification, and most importantly, how to make this process as fast and transparent as possible.
Mine Action in Ukraine: What the Law Says
Certificates for conducting humanitarian demining in Ukraine can only be issued by state certification centers and military units that have been accredited and officially authorized.
Without undergoing the certification procedure and obtaining a certificate of compliance, no organization intending to engage in humanitarian demining can legally operate in the field of mine action.
According to the Law of Ukraine “On Mine Action in Ukraine” No. 2642-VIII dated December 6, 2018, the entities involved in mine action in Ukraine include:
- The National Mine Action Authority
- Authorized executive bodies in the field of mine action, as well as local state administrations and local self-government bodies
- The Mine Action Center and the Humanitarian Demining Center
- Mine action operators
Mine action operators are the direct executors of demining activities. They become recognized participants in mine action once they obtain a certificate of compliance, which confirms their professional, technical, and organizational capability to carry out work in this field.
Who Can Obtain a License for Humanitarian Demining?
The category of humanitarian demining operators may include:
1. Legal entities registered in Ukraine
These are enterprises, institutions, and organizations that meet legal requirements and possess the necessary resources (material, technical, and human) to carry out demining operations. Such operators must comply with national safety standards, technical regulations, and personnel qualification requirements.
2. International and non-governmental organizations
This category includes organizations with proven experience and a solid reputation in the field of mine action. Their involvement helps integrate international practices, technologies, and approaches, which improves the overall effectiveness of humanitarian demining in Ukraine.
You might also like: Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine: How to Register an LLC and Obtain a License
Restrictions on Obtaining Mine Action Operator Status
It’s important to note that not all enterprises are eligible to receive the status of a humanitarian demining operator. Ukrainian legislation sets clear restrictions designed to ensure transparency, safety, and control in this sensitive field.
Organizations cannot obtain mine action operator status if they fall under the following category:
1. Enterprises, institutions, or organizations located in offshore jurisdictions. This restriction aims to prevent the use of shadow financial mechanisms in activities related to national safety and security.
2. Legal entities registered in countries under sanctions. This includes sanctions imposed:
- under the legislation of Ukraine,
- by resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,
- by decisions of the Council of the European Union or other international organizations.
3. Organizations originating from aggressor or occupying states in relation to Ukraine. This restriction is critically important under current wartime conditions, as it ensures that entities connected to countries posing a direct threat to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are excluded from participation.
Thus, only entities that meet the legal criteria, possess the required organizational capacity, and have a proven reputation can obtain the status of a mine action operator. Only under these conditions are they legally authorized to carry out humanitarian demining activities in Ukraine.
The Importance of Safety in Demining Operations
It should be noted that the effectiveness and safety of demining efforts directly depend on the level of personnel training. The human factor, including the qualification, experience, and professional discipline of specialists, plays a decisive role in achieving successful results. Therefore, the next section focuses on:
- the requirements for specialists involved in mine action,
- the criteria for their qualification and certification,
- the standards for ensuring safe working conditions.
Personnel Requirements for Mine Action Activities
Certification for mine action operators involves not only compliance with technical standards but also ensuring adequate human resources. One of the key conditions is forming a professional team capable of performing humanitarian demining tasks safely and efficiently. The minimum personnel requirements are defined as follows:
1. Sappers
The staff must include at least five sappers whose qualifications are confirmed by valid certificates in demining. The minimum number is set for safety reasons: in the event of an explosion involving one sapper, the remaining four must be able to evacuate the injured person from the danger zone.
2. Paramedic of the emergency and rescue unit
The team must include a certified medical professional with a qualification in paramedicine or general medicine who is capable of providing medical and emergency assistance in case of accidents or critical situations.
3. Documentation officer
An employee responsible for maintaining business records, internal reports, and documentation in accordance with the current legislation governing humanitarian demining.
4. Occupational safety engineer
A specialist who has completed professional training and holds a valid certificate confirming their qualification in occupational safety. This person is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations and implementing preventive measures to avoid workplace risks.
5. Quality engineer
A separate staff member who holds a valid deminer certificate. The quality engineer is responsible for verifying the accuracy and safety of completed work, conducting internal inspections and audits, and confirming that the sapper team’s activities comply with established standards.
Please note! Meeting the minimum personnel requirements is a mandatory condition for obtaining certification and carrying out humanitarian demining activities legally and safely.
Certification of Demining Services in Ukraine: Legal Support
The certification process for humanitarian demining operators is often the most stressful stage. It involves inspections, bureaucracy, regulatory oversight, and strict personnel requirements — all under the pressure of time and responsibility for human life. Any errors in documentation or noncompliance with standards can delay certification for months.
Our legal team assists mine action operators in navigating this complex certification process. We provide a full range of services, including:
- consulting on legal requirements in the field of mine action;
- reviewing personnel qualifications and documentation for compliance with standards;
- preparing a complete document package for submission to state authorities;
- providing support throughout the certification process;
- assisting in communication with mine action centers and regulatory bodies.
The result? Certification is completed quickly and efficiently, without unnecessary bureaucracy, and you receive assurance that your operations meet all required standards.
Ready to begin humanitarian demining legally? Contact us today.
Our clients
