Coordinating for Safety: Working Meeting on Mine Risk and IDP Protection Held in Zhytomyr
Svitlana Avramenko, Head of the Humanitarian Access and Protection Department of the Ukrainian Red Cross, along with representatives of the Italian Red Cross, met with the leadership of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration and representatives of the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Zhytomyr region during a working visit.
The Zhytomyr region has become a temporary refuge for a significant number of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Many of them are expected to return soon to their hometowns and villages — places that are often damaged or destroyed, and unfortunately, may be contaminated with explosive ordnance.
During a meeting with the Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, Svitlana Avramenko emphasised:
“Mine risk does not disappear when the fighting stops. Returning home must be safe. We work to ensure that everyone — from children to emergency responders — has basic knowledge of how to stay safe. But to do this effectively, we need to listen to communities and coordinate closely with local authorities. That is why meetings like this are critically important.”
During the meeting, the following topics were discussed:
- Priority areas of work in the region
- A summary of activities carried out in the first half of 2025
- Identification of population groups requiring focused attention
- The most effective communication channels for this specific region
Our aim is to ensure that information is not merely a formality, but a practical tool for saving lives.
