A Brit helping to remove landmines in Ukraine discusses the privilege of aiding war-affected societies
In the heart of Ukraine, a country battered by conflict, thousands of communities face a constant threat - explosive remnants of war. These deadly relics restrict livelihood opportunities and endanger lives, particularly in heavily mined areas like Chkalovske in the Kharkiv region.
Amidst this challenging landscape, 27-year-old Sam Rowlands, a humanitarian worker from South East England, has been making a difference. Currently, he manages teams clearing landmines in Ukraine with The HALO Trust, a renowned NGO that gained worldwide recognition when Princess Diana walked through a minefield during a visit to Angola in 1997.
Rowlands' decision to work in Ukraine was both personal and professional. He hasn't met a single person in Ukraine who doesn't want the ongoing full-scale invasion to end. The political news resonates with everyone, as the full-scale invasion has been ongoing for nearly four years.
The HALO Trust's efforts in Ukraine are crucial. In Chkalovske, a village that became one of the most heavily mined areas in Ukraine after its de-occupation in 2022, the organisation has cleared 18 minefields, making them safe for local use. The demining process began in 2023, and the Trust aims to continue until the village is fully cleared.
Many of HALO's staff are local residents from the regions most affected by explosive contamination. Their motivation is personal - they want to clear their own land. This local involvement is key to the Trust's success, as it ensures a deep understanding of the community's needs and challenges.
Landmines, indiscriminate weapons that affect everyone, regardless of their background or livelihood, pose a severe threat to Ukraine's agricultural workers. Many beneficiaries of HALO's work are agricultural workers who are unable to cultivate their land due to the danger posed by landmines. This inability to cultivate land has a severe impact on the income of agricultural workers and global food security, as Ukraine is a major exporter.
In some heavily mined areas, farmers have resorted to rigging remote-control systems onto tractors to clear their fields, which has led to accidents. The HALO Trust's work is vital in mitigating these risks and ensuring a safer future for Ukraine's agricultural workers.
Sam Rowlands, like many, admits that the sense of hope that comes with peace talks can be complicated. It's important to consider the terms on which any ceasefire might be declared. However, he remains steadfast in his commitment to helping Ukraine recover from conflict through vital humanitarian efforts.
The HALO Trust has operated in places such as Kosovo, Angola, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and Syria, helping countries recover after conflict. Their work in Ukraine is a testament to their dedication to making the world a safer place, one minefield at a time.
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