Post by Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)

We often think about mine action safety in terms of equipment, procedures, and technical competence. This paper argues that we're missing another critical factor: conflict-related trauma.   Drawing on emerging evidence from #Ukraine, the paper highlights that 71% of surveyed veterans reported physical injuries, while at least one-third self-report PTSD symptoms. It also explores how chronic stress, hypervigilance, sleep disruption, reintegration challenges, and stigma don't just affect individual well-being, they can directly influence concentration, decision-making, situational awareness, and ultimately operational safety. Importantly, the message isn't that veterans are less capable. Quite the opposite. Employment can provide purpose, structure, and social connection that supports successful reintegration. The recommendation is to move beyond assumptions and instead build trauma-informed workplaces that integrate mental health and psychosocial support into occupational safety, train managers in veteran-sensitive leadership, reduce stigma, and create clear pathways to specialized care when needed.   This is an important contribution because it reframes psychosocial well-being as a core operational safety issue, not simply a welfare issue. As mine action work expands in conflict-affected settings around the world, this is a conversation the sector needs to have. Whether you work in mine action, humanitarian operations, occupational safety, or veteran reintegration, we think you'll find this paper both timely and thought-provoking. ✨ Ukrainian version coming soon. https://lnkd.in/erV2aU7p We thank Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for supporting this work.