On September 30, our team visited the iMFAD headquarters in Turkey, and the result was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ATOM Foundation and iMFAD. This agreement is intended to become the basis for the implementation of joint projects in the field of humanitarian demining.
Mines and explosive remnants of war leave a deep mark on Ukrainian land — they turn ordinary fields, roads, and forests into potentially dangerous territories. That is why humanitarian demining is becoming one of the key conditions for restoring life and the safety of communities.
For the ATOM Charitable Foundation, this task is a natural part of the mission: supporting humanitarian initiatives, protecting communities, and investing in a safe future.
About iMFAD — who they are and what they do
iMFAD — Humanitarian Mine Action Association — is a Turkish non-governmental organization that works directly in the field of humanitarian demining. It is engaged in the following areas:
- clearance of territories from mines and explosive remnants;
- mine risk education;
- assistance to victims of mines and explosive devices;
- advocacy, consultations, and support of standards in mine action.
The organization is already implementing projects in other regions where there is a need for mine safety education and clearance of territories.
What the memorandum provides
The agreement between ATOM and iMFAD is a framework agreement that opens the way to specific initiatives. The main directions:
- Exchange of knowledge and technologies. We strive to learn from iMFAD, incorporate their developments into projects, and adapt them to Ukrainian realities.
- Joint projects in Ukraine. In the future, the implementation of initiatives on Ukrainian territory is planned: from educational programs to land clearance.
- Harmonization of procedures, support of standards. It is important that future work is high-quality, safe, and complies with international approaches.
- Mobilization of resources, donors, and support. Formalized cooperation strengthens the chances of financial and material support, as well as trust from international communities.
Significance for the ATOM Foundation
This memorandum is not just a legal document. It is a symbol of trust and readiness to act together with international partners for the safety of people.
For ATOM, this means:
- expanding opportunities in the implementation of humanitarian projects related to mine safety;
- strengthening the foundation’s role as an initiator and coordinator of humanitarian efforts;
- increasing the potential for achieving future goals in the field of safety.
Looking ahead
We at ATOM believe that this memorandum is a starting point. In the near future, the foundation together with iMFAD will strive to:
- launch pilot programs on mine risk education in high-risk areas;
- apply new technologies (including digital, remote) for territory clearance;
- conduct joint training, workshops, and exchanges between specialists;
- attract more donors, resources, and partners.
This step is our contribution to making Ukrainian lands safer and protecting the lives of citizens. And we are ready to do everything to ensure that the memorandum does not remain just on paper, but turns into real action.
