EORE Where the Risk Is Highest
SGS took part in another meeting of the Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) Working Group. During the meeting, a representative of the Secretariat of the National Mine Action Authority presented updated information on civilian accidents. According to the Secretariat, the current figures remain unprecedentedly high. One of the major reasons is the growing risk associated with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones) and their fragments, which requires increased attention to these threats within EORE activities.
At SGS, the topic of drones and munition drops from drones has long been included in our training sessions as a separate block of threats. At the same time, the core safety rules remain the same for all explosive hazards: do not approach, do not touch, and call the emergency services.
It was also emphasized that humanitarian mine action operators do not always reach the regions where the highest number of EO-related civilian accidents occur.
Participants also attended a comprehensive presentation by Colombian representative Julián Pinzón. Since 2017, Colombia has been conducting nationwide mine risk education activities. He shared experience from working in remote regions and noted that unequal access to safety information is also a challenge in their country.
In Ukraine, this issue is even more complicated due to the constantly shifting frontline and overall security situation. As a commercial humanitarian demining operator, SGS primarily conducts EORE activities in areas where demining teams are working. At the same time, the team also implements separate information sessions and projects, develops its own educational programs, and has practical experience working with different target audiences.
We clearly understand where information activities are needed most — the relevant data is available through IMSMA and CPMD statistics. However, due to the lack of dedicated funding for EORE activities and the absence of separate support programs, operators are often forced to find compromises between community needs and logistical realities.
SGS continues working to attract donor support in order to expand the geography of information activities. For commercial operators, this is often more difficult than for non-profit organizations. Nevertheless, the most important thing is that we have the motivation, commitment, and understanding of how important this work truly is. And that means the results will come.