5 Pillars of Mine Action: Explosive Ordnance Risk Education

Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) is one of the core pillars of mine action. It helps save lives by teaching people how to recognize, avoid, and report dangerous explosive hazards such as landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and abandoned explosive devices.

In communities affected by conflict, explosive hazards can remain hidden in fields, roads, schools, and homes long after fighting ends. Children may mistake unexploded items for toys. Farmers may unknowingly enter contaminated land. Families returning home after displacement often face invisible dangers every day.

EORE works to reduce these risks through awareness campaigns, community engagement, public information, and practical safety training. The goal is simple: Women, girls, boys, and men in affected communities are aware of the risks from EO and are encouraged to behave in a way that reduces the risk to people, property, and the environment.

Risk education is tailored to the realities of each community. Programmes may include:

EORE is often delivered during emergencies and active conflict situations, when civilians are at immediate risk. It is also critical during recovery and development phases, helping communities safely return to everyday activities such as farming, traveling, attending school, and rebuilding livelihoods.

Effective risk education does more than raise awareness and transfer knowledge; it encourages lasting behavioral change. It empowers communities to identify threats, avoid dangerous areas, and report safely explosive hazards to authorities and mine action organizations.

By reducing exposure to explosive ordnance, EORE helps create safer environments where people can live, work, and rebuild free from fear.

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