The Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre (BHMAC), alongside the Civil Protection Administrations of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, has been presented with a significant donation of uniforms and safety equipment. This valuable contribution, amounting to over €130,000, has been provided by the European Union and is intended to enhance the safety and effectiveness of demining operations throughout the country.
The donation includes an assortment of specialised gear, comprising 570 waterproof winter jackets, work pants, and spring/fall jackets; 760 men’s long- and short-sleeve polo shirts; and 380 pairs of safety half-boots and safety shoes. Such uniforms and equipment are crucial to protecting the BHMAC demining teams and Civil Protection Administrations as they carry out their vital work in areas affected by landmines.
Currently, approximately 1.6% of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territory remains contaminated by mines. Given this context, the provision of appropriate protection and safety gear is essential in safeguarding the lives of deminers who undertake these high-risk operations daily. This latest contribution exemplifies the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting mine action efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Earlier this year, the European Union also donated 19 off-road vehicles to facilitate the transportation of demining teams and equipment to remote and challenging demining sites. Both the vehicles and the safety equipment were acquired through a €10 million EU-funded project, which also supports demining operations. To date, the European Union has invested over €50 million to support mine clearance, survivor assistance, and local capacity-building initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The support provided by the European Union, including this recent donation of uniforms and safety equipment, is instrumental in the ongoing efforts to eliminate landmines across the country. Through various initiatives, direct assistance is provided to demining teams while advancing long-term strategic goals for mine action, thereby enhancing the safety of all citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Furthermore, the EU’s assistance is an integral part of a broader initiative that encompasses financial support, capacity-building for BHMAC and the Civil Protection Administrations, and close collaboration with EUFOR, which provides mentoring, mine risk education, and oversight of demining operations.
