Tragedy in the Field: Farmers’ Safety Requires Professional Demining
A 31-year-old tractor driver recently lost his life while working in a field in Bashtanka District, Mykolaiv Oblast. According to preliminary findings from the investigation, a fragmentation submunition from a cluster munition detonated during cultivation. Law enforcement authorities have launched a war crime investigation.
The SGS team extends its sincere condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.
We do not know all the circumstances of this tragedy, including whether the land had undergone professional survey and clearance. However, we reiterate: working on potentially contaminated land without confirmation of its safety poses a deadly risk. The absence of visible ordnance or previous experience working in a field does not guarantee safety.
Against this backdrop, discussions about expanding the restricted zone for humanitarian demining operators from 20 to 50 km from the line of contact are particularly concerning.
A ban on professional demining will not, by itself, stop agricultural and other work in these areas. People may continue working in the fields without access to assistance from certified operators. This could increase the risk of similar tragedies.
The safety of deminers and civilians must underpin every decision. SGS advocates assessing the actual threats on individual plots of land. Decisions on restrictions must consider the safety of both deminers and the people who live and work on that land.
We urge farmers: do not begin work on potentially contaminated land until it has undergone proper survey, any necessary clearance, and confirmation of its safety.
Every life saved is the most important outcome of mine action.
SAFE land. GROUND for the growth. SOLUTIONS for future.
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