History: The Republic of Slovenia is a Central European country about the size of New Jersey, with a population of two million inhabitants. After World War I, Austria-Hungary disintegrated and Slovenia joined the new state, the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. The people of Slovenia voted for independence and sovereignty at a national referendum held on Dec. 23, 1990, and on June 26, 1991, the Republic of Slovenia proclaimed its independence.

Landmine and UXO Overview: Slovenia still has a problem with landmines leftover from both world wars and a short independence war in 1991. Most of the World War I ordnance consists of unexploded cannon grenades and to a lesser degree, unexploded mines and other devices from World War II and the 1991 war are a problem. The Yugoslav Army laid most of the mine fields around military targets. While most of the unexploded devices have been cleared, it is unknown exactly how many mines remain.

Demining: Slovenia implements demining under the framework of the Civil Defense of the Republic of Slovenia. The Slovene Civil Defense and the Slovene Army Forces clear most UXO. Most emphasis is placed on the training and educating of the 130 troops equipped for demining. One of The Republic of Slovenia's biggest steps in demining has been to set up the International Trust Fund for Demining and for the Assistance of Mine Victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 12, 1998. The Trust Fund is committed to helping Bosnia in its current landmine problem, and eventually helping them establish their own demining programs.

Contact Information:

International Trust Fund for Demining and
Victims Assistance in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mr. Jernej Cimpersek

Phone: +386 61 179 65 80