Following the breakdown of the former Republic of Yugoslavia, there was more than 3 years of armed conflict (1992-1995) between different ethnic and religious communities in the region. During this period, approximatively 1 million landmines were laid across Bosnia and Herzegovina, making it the most densely contaminated country in Europe. Even 24 years after the end of the war, Bosnia and Herzegovina is still heavily affected; it is estimated that 75 000 items still remain to be cleared.

 

Currently, there still are areas of a total size of 1 061 km2 affected (2,2% of the country), with nearly 1 400 villages impacted. This contamination directly threatens the safety of approximately 545 000 citizens, or 15% of all residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina residents.

 

During the war, approximatively 7 000 persons have become victims of mines and other explosive remnants of war. Following the war, there have been an additional 1 760 victims, out of which 613 people were killed. There have also been 127 demining accidents since the end of the war, with 51 deminers killed.