{"id":6391,"date":"2025-07-01T14:39:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T12:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawai.li\/fsd\/?page_id=6391"},"modified":"2026-02-10T16:19:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T15:19:54","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fsd.ch\/en\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently asked questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

General questions about the FSD<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where does FSD work?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

FSD is currently active in seven countries: Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, the Philippines, the Central African Republic, Tajikistan and Ukraine. Over the years, FSD has operated in around 30 countries. See our page\u202fwhere we work<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

When was FSD founded?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

In the late 1990s, awareness grew that the massive and long-lasting impact of landmines on civilians could not be left solely to the military but required a humanitarian response. Against this backdrop, and as part of the international momentum around the Ottawa Treaty, a group of Swiss citizens and humanitarian professionals founded FSD in 1997. Read more about FSD\u2019s history<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What is FSD\u2019s main mission?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

The core mission of FSD is humanitarian demining. Our aim is to reduce the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war by locating and neutralising explosive devices, raising awareness among affected populations, assisting victims and strengthening local demining capacities. In addition, FSD works in post-conflict contexts to support peacebuilding, environmental clearance and food security. Discover our areas of expertise<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Humanitarian demining<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How does one become a deminer?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

The training required to become a deminer depends on the specific role. On the one hand, explosive ordnance disposal experts have many years of experience and advanced training across different contexts. On the other, locally recruited deminers are trained directly by FSD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FSD provides intensive four-to-six-week training programmes on site for local staff, combining theory and practice. The courses focus on the use of metal detectors and other demining tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could you be a deminer? Take the quiz<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How are landmines detected?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Deminers generally use a metal detector to scan the ground for signals before carefully excavating and neutralising any suspected device. Different types of detectors are used depending on the nature of the contamination and the soil. Dogs and rats, trained to detect the smell of explosives, can also be deployed under certain conditions.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Does FSD use machines for demining?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Yes. Soil preparation machines can be used to support manual demining operations under certain conditions. These are specialised, armoured and usually remote-controlled machines that remove vegetation and detonate small mines as they advance. The areas are then checked manually to ensure that no explosive devices remain. Specialised equipment is also used to clear rubble contaminated with explosive remnants of war. Learn more about mechanical demining<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Does FSD use drones for demining?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Drones are used during the survey phase before demining begins. They can fly over suspected areas to detect signs of explosive devices or shell impacts. A drone equipped with ground-penetrating radar is also currently being tested to improve detection capacity. More information on the use of drones<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What equipment does a deminer use?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Deminers wear personal protective equipment made of kevlar to protect vital areas, as well as a blast visor. Unlike military units, humanitarian deminers do not use full-body protective suits. Watch our \u201cWhat\u2019s it for?<\/a>\u201d series to learn more.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between military demining and humanitarian demining?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Humanitarian demining follows extremely strict safety and quality standards: every square metre is carefully inspected to ensure that all mines and explosive remnants are removed, with procedures designed to maximise the safety of deminers. Conducted only in areas where fighting has ceased, humanitarian demining is carried out in strict adherence to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality, protecting all civilians without distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military demining, by contrast, takes place in combat zones with specific tactical objectives and methods.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Does FSD work with dogs?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Yes. FSD has a team of mine detection dogs supporting demining operations in Ukraine, especially in areas contaminated by large amounts of metallic debris, where metal detectors are less effective. Meet our four-legged deminers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Does FSD work with rats or bees?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

No. FSD does not currently work with rats or bees in its demining operations.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How are civilians protected while waiting for clearance?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

FSD runs explosive ordnance risk education sessions\u00a0in schools and contaminated villages. The aim is to prevent accidents by informing the public about how to react when encountering a suspicious object. Information sessions are also provided online and through dedicated social media channels. What does risk education involve?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How much does it cost to clear one square metre?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

On average, clearing one square metre costs around one Swiss franc. With 100 francs, it is therefore possible to make around 100 square metres safe. However, the exact cost depends on many factors such as the type of terrain and the nature of contamination. Each square metre requires time-consuming and meticulous work, often centimetre by centimetre, involving skilled specialists, adapted equipment and teams systematically accompanied by ambulances ready to intervene in case of an accident.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Is demining dangerous?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Humanitarian deminers follow very strict safety rules to maximise protection. They move forward centimetre by centimetre, sweeping each area three times with their detector before advancing. Regular breaks ensure focus, and metal detectors are tested every 15 minutes. When an explosive device is identified, an explosive ordnance disposal expert is immediately called to intervene safely. Discover our clearance procedure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Landmines and explosive remnants of war<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is a landmine?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

A mine is a device designed to be placed under, on or near the ground or another surface and to explode due to the presence, proximity or contact of a person or a vehicle (Ottawa Treaty, 1997).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What is an explosive remnant of war?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

There are two categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unexploded ordnance: an explosive device that has been primed, fuzed, armed or otherwise prepared for use. It was previously dropped, launched or projected and remains unexploded due to malfunction, deliberate design or any other reason. (CCW Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War, 2006).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abandoned explosive ordnance: an explosive munition that has not been used during an armed conflict, that has been left behind or discarded by a party to the conflict, and that is no longer under the control of the party that left it behind or discarded it. Abandoned explosive ordnance may have been primed, fuzed, armed or otherwise prepared for use. (CCW Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War, 2006).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What is an improvised mine?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Explosive devices that are not produced industrially to military standards but fabricated in an improvised way are referred to as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In mine action, \u201cimprovised mines\u201d are those IEDs that function by being triggered by the presence, proximity or contact of a person or vehicle, in the same way as conventional anti-personnel mines.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Why don\u2019t mine-affected countries clear their own land?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Demining requires significant technical expertise and financial resources. Many affected countries do not have the necessary capacity to conduct operations alone. To address this challenge, FSD runs projects that strengthen local demining capacities. Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Who still uses landmines today?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

More than 160 countries have ratified the Ottawa Convention and committed not to use anti-personnel mines. However, not all states are parties to the treaty, and many non-state armed groups continue to lay mines, often improvised. It is important to note that the Ottawa Convention only bans anti-personnel mines, not anti-vehicle mines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for explosive remnants of war, they are an inevitable consequence of any armed conflict: every war leaves behind unexploded ordnance that can remain dangerous for generations.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How many victims do landmines cause each year?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Every year, landmines and explosive remnants of war kill and injure thousands of people worldwide (over 5,000 in 2024), the vast majority of them civilians. Half of the civilian victims are children. These figures highlight the vital importance of demining operations and explosive ordnance risk education to prevent such tragedies.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Are there landmines in Switzerland?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

No. However, unexploded ordnance still exists, particularly from the two World Wars. These old devices can present a localised danger, especially during construction work or farming. If a suspicious object is found, it is essential not to touch it and to contact the cantonal police immediately, who will alert the relevant services.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How long does a mine remain dangerous once laid?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Landmines and explosive remnants of war have no expiry date: they can remain active for decades or even centuries. Devices from the First and Second World Wars are still being found today and may become increasingly unstable over time. It is therefore essential to remain vigilant and never touch or move a suspicious object.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How are clearance priorities decided?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Before demining starts, FSD deploys survey teams to assess the level of contamination and identify the types of explosive devices present. The information collected is then shared with national authorities, who determine priorities based on the impact for communities: access to homes, schools, farmland or essential infrastructure. Discover how survey missions<\/a> work.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Does the weather affect demining operations?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Yes, weather plays an important role in demining. In winter, when the ground is frozen and covered with snow, operations are suspended. This pause allows deminers to take part in training, maintain equipment or mark hazardous areas. In contrast, in some countries, extreme heat also affects operations, requiring teams to start work very early and take frequent breaks to avoid exhaustion.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Careers & volunteering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does FSD accept unsolicited applications?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

No, FSD does not process unsolicited applications. Our job openings correspond to very specific profiles tailored to precise contexts. All our vacancies are published on our dedicated page: job offers<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How can I apply for a job at FSD?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

To see our current vacancies and apply, please visit our job offers page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How can I work in the field with FSD?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

With the exception of a few international experts, FSD employs only staff directly in the countries where it operates, to provide employment opportunities and transfer skills to local populations. If you are a national of one of FSD\u2019s countries of operation, you can contact the relevant national office via our contact page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Can international applicants work at FSD\u2019s headquarters?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

Yes, FSD accepts international profiles at its headquarters, provided that candidates hold a valid work permit for Switzerland. For young professionals, the \u201cYoung Professional Agreement\u201d concluded with 14 countries makes it possible to obtain a temporary permit of up to 18 months in order to gain initial work experience related to their studies. More information<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Is it possible to do an internship at FSD?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

We occasionally recruit interns in our Geneva office, in particular within the communications and fundraising departments. All vacancies are published on our website: job offers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Are there volunteering opportunities at FSD?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

 Yes. Whether you are available for just a few hours a year or on a more regular basis, you can support us during our events, information stands and presentations through Gen\u00e8ve B\u00e9n\u00e9volat<\/a>. You can also independently organise a fundraiser, a sporting event or any other initiative, and become an ambassador for the fight against landmines, contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How to support FSD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m a private individual\u2014how can I donate?\n \n \n \n <\/g>\n <\/svg><\/summary>\n

There are many ways to support FSD. You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n