Press Release: One hidden threat at a time: life resumes as DRC clears unexploded ordnance in Yemen

Mokha, YEMEN – 2026: A European Union (EU)-funded Humanitarian Mine Action project has led to the successful clearance of two deadly minefields on Yemen’s West Coast and the delivery of life-saving risk education messages to nearly 45,000 vulnerable people– facing daily risk from an explosive legacy of conflict.

Implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the 36-month intervention led to the safe removal and disposal of 76 items of explosive ordnance – ranging from anti-vehicle mines to unexploded rockets and locally manufactured Improvised Explosive Devices. Mixed-gender DRC survey teams also visited and assessed more than 200 communities and identified over 50 previously unreported minefields – highlighting the scale of the threat Yemeni civilians continue to face.

“We used to fear for our children and keep them indoors. Now, thanks to the clearance work, they can play safely outside. We hope the final demining is finished soon so we can return to ploughing our fields and farming." Abdullah, the village leader of Al-Shami in Taiz governorate, says.

‘Explosive hazards remain one of the most significant barriers affecting the life and livelihoods of Yemeni people. They deeply impact on individuals while restricting access to agricultural land, schools, and health services. In addition to land clearance, the EU response implemented by DRC also raises awareness, supports survivors, and aids a safe return to daily life. Making land and people safe is a critical step toward resilience and hope for affected families,” says Francesco Rigamonti, Country Technical Assistant of the EU Humanitarian Aid Office in Yemen.

Yemen remains one of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world. After years of conflict, explosive remnants of war (ERW) continue to kill and keep schools, water sources, and farmland off limits. In 2025, 54 people were killed and 164 wounded by landmines and unexploded ordnance according to the Civilian Impact Monitoring Project.

DRC’s Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) teams conducted about 1,600 education sessions, targeting communities facing the most risks, including children who often mistake explosive remnants for scrap metal or toys.

"Before the mine risk awareness campaigns, accidents were frequent due to the widespread presence of mines. However, thanks to these efforts, the veil has been lifted from our eyes. Everyone in the village—young and old—is now more aware of the dangers, and we have the necessary contact numbers to report any threats.” Says Hawaa, a resident of Al-Khokha who received the EORE session.

This EU-funded project has demonstrated that targeted humanitarian mine action can make a meaningful difference for Yemeni communities.  However, the scale of contamination across the country remains severe, and many communities continue to face constant risk. Continued investment in mine clearance, risk education, and long-term recovery efforts will be critical to protecting civilians and supporting Yemen’s path toward safer and more stable communities.