In 2024, nearly 70 countries around the world remain contaminated by landmines, posing a major risk to civilian populations, particularly children. Despite international efforts to eliminate these deadly remnants of past wars, landmines continue to be used in current conflicts.
The situation is expected to worsen in the coming years due to the persistence of conflicts and the slow pace of demining operations. While initiatives to clear contaminated areas are ongoing, the rate of progress remains insufficient given the scale of the problem. Assessing local contexts, determining priorities, designing and implementing programs, and approving new standards are complex processes that struggle to keep up with new contamination. As a result, the speed of demining is failing to adequately address this growing challenge.
EPFL EssentialTech Centre is committed to enhance mine detection, clearance, prioritization, standardization, victims’ assistance, and education through innovative technology in conflict and post-conflict zones.
