Cleartheway

2 June 2020 / Zoé Le Goff

Clear the Way – The Campaign

Clear the Way is an awareness campaign highlighting the issue of landmines and unexploded ordnance. Today, nearly 100 million people in 58 countries live in areas contaminated by these dangerous remnants of past conflicts, where one wrong step can be fatal.

Led by FSD in 2026 and 2027, the campaign highlights how, after every war, mine clearance is essential to enabling people to return home, rebuild their lives, and cultivate their land once again. This is the meaning behind Clear the Way: paving the way for a future filled with hope.

Next stop: Les automnales in Geneva

The Clear the Way campaign will be at Les Automnales at Palexpo in Geneva from November 6 to 15, 2026. Come and explore our minefield maze and take part in our activities to learn more about mine clearance!

Mined Maze and Minefield Simulation

Navigate a mined maze to discover the daily challenges faced by people living with this threat, then step into the shoes of a deminer in a simulated minefield. These activities are available throughout the day.

Humanitarian Mine Clearance Demonstration

Olivier Shu, our mine clearance expert, will introduce you to the techniques, tools and safety measures involved in his work. Follow his step-by-step demonstration, from detecting a mine to simulating its safe neutralisation. Every day at 11:30 am, 2 pm and 6 pm.

Live Q&A with Our Teams in Ukraine and Iraq

Talk to our experts in Ukraine on Saturdays, 7 and 14 November, at 11 am, and in Iraq on Sundays, 8 and 15 November, at 11 am. They will share insights into their daily work and the challenges they face in the field, and answer your questions live.

WARS END. LANDMINES REMAIN.

The end of a war does not mean the end of the danger. Explosive ordnance left behind can remain active for decades. Every day, civilians are killed and injured by the deadly legacy of past conflicts.

HALF OF ALL CIVILIAN LANDMINE VICTIMS ARE CHILDREN.

Curious and often unaware of the danger, children are particularly vulnerable to landmines and other explosive ordnance, some of which can look like toys. Picking them up can cost them their lives.

BETWEEN 10% AND 20% OF MUNITIONS FIRED FAIL TO DETONATE ON IMPACT.

These unexploded munitions remain dangerous: even the slightest contact can trigger an explosion. As a result, they continue to claim victims for generations after conflicts have ended.

WALKING SHOULD NEVER BE A GAMBLE.

In areas contaminated by explosive remnants of war, danger is an ever-present uncertainty. Until clearance operations have taken place, every journey can be potentially fatal.