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ITF and Slovenia's Development Cooperation

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia is among major ITF donors. With regular yearly donations for ITF projects it has contributed more than 16,3 million EUR out of which over 8,2 million EUR was contributed through the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. Between 2025 and 2026, an additional amount of 4,234,000 EUR is allocated for the following projects:

Click here for more information and insights on Slovenia's Development Cooperation programs.

Mine Action in Ukraine in 2025 and 2026

The active continuation of the ITF office in Kyiv will allow the ITF to be present as an actor in the field of mine action and mine victim assistance in Ukraine until the end of 2026. The latter will also allow for cooperation with the SESU and other authorities during the war situation for the implementation of project activities, supervision of the implementation of all project activities and the potential expansion of ITF projects in the field of mine action and victims assistance. In addition, University Rehabilitation Institute of Republic of Slovenia (URI-Soča) experts will prepare a training programme for medical staff from Ukraine, with the aim of strengthening their knowledge and local capacities. The trainings will be tailored to the needs of Ukrainian medical staff, where it is planned to conduct 10 workshops of 250 participants. The training will be delivered remotely, but if the security situation permits, also in person.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Assistance to Children and Their Families in Ukraine

In the light of the war in Ukraine, there is an increasing need to build psychological resilience and support children who have suffered losses and traumatic experiences. The permanence of armed conflict contributes to increased vulnerability to mental wounds and problems. ITF has already implemented the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Children and their Families project in 2023-2024, together with partners Slovenian Philanthropy and the Ukrainian NGO Zhiva-Ya. The implemented project proved to be very appropriate and relevant to the local context; it was well received by Ukrainian stakeholders - MHP experts, teachers, children and parents - and was successfully implemented. It has contributed significantly to local capacity building - increasing knowledge and mobilising social and human capital in communities in strategic and organisational terms. One of the essential features and strengths of the implemented project, which is embedded in the school and the community, is that it provides the necessary support to many children by supporting natural coping and recovery processes. It enables the provision of essential psychosocial support to children in school and the mobilisation of the school and its environment for the psychosocial protection of children. It represents a sustainable model of school-based psychosocial support for children that will be necessary and feasible in post-war situations. 

The aim is to provide mental health protection and psychosocial support (MHPSA) to children and their parents in the Izmail and Odesa regions, building on the school and community-based model of mental health protection and support for children that was successfully launched in the previous pilot project. In addition, a volunteering centre will be established.

Medical Rehabilitation of Victims of the Armed Conflict in Ukraine

ITF buids upon the cooperation with Superhumans Center in 2025 and 2026. At least 20 victims of the armed conflict in Ukraine will receive medical rehabilitation in cooperation with the Superhumans Centre in Ukraine, including medical treatment, screening to determine the actual situation, triage, rehabilitation and medical equipment. Rehabilitation of all victims of conflict requires a sustainable and holistic approach to rehabilitation, which entails both physical and psychological support. Selected victims of the armed conflict in Ukraine will be provided with improved conditions for successful reintegration into society and achieving an equal position in society.

Humanitarian Demining Training in Ukraine

This project supports the sustainable integration of Ukrainian war veterans by combining certified humanitarian demining training with tailored psychological support. In response to the challenges of widespread landmine contamination and veteran unemployment, project activities will equip 40 veterans with nationally recognised demining skills and strengthen resilience and mental health. The project promotes peacebuilding, decent work (SDG 8) and mental well-being (SDG 3). Through comprehensive training cycles, job placement support and public awareness raising, it creates a skilled workforce to clear contaminated land, restore safe living conditions and promote social inclusion. The project also ensures gender equality in access and respects international environmental standards. The project enables veterans to rebuild their lives while contributing to the country's recovery, and is thus a model for inclusive post-conflict development and resilience.

Support to Mine Detection Centre (MDC) Polyclinic in Kabul, Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, where the population faces extreme poverty, political instability, and limited access to basic services, the project addresses the critical shortage of healthcare. Over a 24-month period (January 2025 – December 2026), a total of 97,800 free medical consultations, treatments, and examinations will be provided in Kabul—approximately 48,900 per year.

The provided healthcare will cover gynecology, internal medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics, and otorhinolaryngology. In addition, dental and physiotherapy services will be available for both women and men, along with psychotherapy sessions specifically for women. Basic diagnostic and support services, such as X-ray and laboratory testing, will also be carried out.

Particular emphasis will be placed on improving women’s access to gynecological, psychological, and dental care, contributing to the realization of their sexual and reproductive health rights. The project ensures access to essential healthcare without financial barriers while simultaneously strengthening local capacities through the employment and training of medical personnel.

Psychosocial support for mourning mothers and fathers of missing or deceased relatives in Armenia 

The project providing psychosocial support to grieving parents in Armenia addresses one of the most painful consequences of armed conflict – the loss of children. Many mothers and fathers continue to struggle with unresolved trauma, as their sons are officially missing or confirmed dead, yet their fate remains unknown. Although the initial request was focused on assisting mothers, the project will also include fathers, recognizing that the loss of a child profoundly affects both parents.

In cooperation with the Embassy of Armenia and local partners, the project will enable 8–12 grieving parents to visit Slovenia, where they will participate in group sessions and activities led by Slovenian professionals in a safe therapeutic environment. The program will include relaxation, experiential, and therapeutic activities, as well as art workshops and cultural or intergenerational excursions across the region.

At the same time, three Armenian professionals in psychology and psychotherapy will receive specialized training in mental health and, together with Slovenian experts, develop a sustainable model of psychosocial support.

The project provides vulnerable groups with access to holistic care, reduces the stigma surrounding mental health challenges, and fosters social inclusion.

​Comprehensive Aid to Palestine in 2025 and 2026

The project, implemented by ITF in Gaza in cooperation with local partner MHPC, addresses the extreme humanitarian situation in the region. Over the past year, more than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, nearly two million have been displaced, and over 90% of homes have been damaged or destroyed. Residents often live in tents without access to basic hygiene, healthcare, or clean water.

The main objective of the project is to provide comprehensive support to war-affected populations in Gaza as well as victims of ongoing conflicts in the West Bank. In 2025, the focus will be on humanitarian survival measures, while in 2026, emphasis will shift to psychosocial support and the development of long-term rehabilitation capacities.

The project also strengthens healthcare infrastructure through the provision of materials and equipment for the rehabilitation center in Bethlehem and the training of Palestinian specialists from this hospital at URI Soča. In 2025 and 2026, two psychosocial support trainings titled “Psychological Adaptation and Resilience in Times of Crisis” will be conducted in the West Bank.

This initiative directly addresses urgent humanitarian needs while laying the groundwork for the long-term recovery of communities affected by one of the most severe humanitarian crises of modern times.

Beekeeping as Empowerment Tool For People With Disabilities – Phase 4

Bosnia and Herzegovina remains one of the countries most contaminated by landmines, with many victims facing social exclusion, poverty, and limited employment opportunities. The project promotes social and economic reintegration of vulnerable groups through beekeeping activities.

In 2025 and 2026, the project will train the first generation of five trainers – mine victims – who will mentor new beekeepers in starting their own activities. Participants will gain expertise in beekeeping, processing and marketing bee products, and will take part in fairs, promotional events, and public education activities. These activities also raise awareness about the importance of the social inclusion of mine victims. The project promotes gender equality, supports vulnerable groups, and contributes to sustainable development goals.

Psychosocial rehabilitation of Armenian children – victims of last armed conflict

The psychosocial rehabilitation project is aimed at Armenian children aged 10 to 15 who have been affected by the recent armed conflict. It seeks to provide conditions for their recovery, support their personal development, and strengthen their psychological resilience, with the goal of offering the children renewed hope for the future. In 2025 and 2026, a total of 34 children and 5 accompanying adults from Armenia will participate in the rehabilitation program at Debeli Rtič.

The program combines psychosocial support with group and individual therapy, alongside a wide range of recreational activities: trips to Piran and visits to the aquarium, swimming lessons, kayaking, sports games, creative workshops, and social interactions with peers. Special emphasis is placed on therapeutic components such as self-esteem, emotional management, and interpersonal relationships, delivered by a professionally trained team to strengthen the children’s psychological resilience.

Additional activities, including the “Coast at Your Fingertips” program, visits to local schools, workshops on Istrian cultural heritage, and exploration of the local environment, foster intercultural connections, respect for nature, and a sense of safety and acceptance. The project also incorporates educational content on sustainable development.

Children develop social skills, respect for others, form friendships, and acquire tools to cope with daily challenges. For many participants, this is their first experience in a peaceful and safe environment, allowing them to regain a sense of childhood carefree optimism. The project not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to long-term psychosocial stability and empowers children to participate actively in society.

Mine Action Activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in 2025 and 2026

The mine action project in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2025–2026 addresses one of the country’s greatest security and development challenges – the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), which continue to threaten lives and hinder economic and social development more than 25 years after the end of the war. As part of this project, approximately 8 km² of mine or UXO-contaminated/suspected land will be surveyed and cleared, and around six additional activities will be implemented, including mine victim assistance, rehabilitation, awareness raising, institutional support, and training. The project will directly contribute to improved personal safety, the restoration of local environments, and the safe reuse of land for agriculture, infrastructure, or habitation.

Explosive Remnants of War Clearance in Iraq

The project addresses Iraq’s urgent needs in mine action. The country, including the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan in the north, remains heavily contaminated, a situation exacerbated by the occupation of the Islamic State after 2014. Interest in clearing mined areas from the pre-2014 period – areas Iraq is obliged to clear under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention – has significantly declined. Iraqi Kurdistan, in particular, faces a major funding gap, as mine action in the region has not been supported through the national budget for several years. Consequently, clearance activities are carried out only on a limited scale, despite available capacities and equipment. Building on ITF’s previous support in 2022–2023 and 2024–2025, the organization will provide logistics and transport for demining teams, enabling at least ten teams, including quality control units, to operate. These teams will focus on the five highest-priority provinces in Iraqi Kurdistan, in line with the country’s mine action strategy.

Supporting Conflict-Affected Communities in Syria

The project addresses urgent needs for enhanced safety and strengthened community resilience in Syria, particularly in the northeastern region, which has endured the consequences of armed conflict and explosive remnants of war for more than a decade.

In partnership with a local organization, ITF implements activities aimed at reducing the risks associated with explosive hazards and creating a safer environment for residents, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as children, farmers, and internally displaced persons. The project also includes risk education, support for agricultural communities, and capacity-building for local organizations.

Special attention is given to the inclusion of women in community activities and the promotion of sustainable practices that contribute to long-term resilience and the recovery of the local environment. Through these efforts, ITF contributes to improving living conditions and reducing humanitarian risks in one of Syria’s most severely affected regions.

Addressing Cluster Munition Contamination in Lebanon

Southern Lebanon remains one of the most heavily contaminated areas in the world with cluster munitions, most of which stem from the 2006 conflict. The situation worsened following the escalation of the conflict with Israel at the end of 2024. By the end of 2023, 92% of the initially designated clearance area had been addressed; however, approximately 4.65 km², divided into 561 sites, remains uncleared. The majority of these areas—95% of the remaining land—are located in the southern governorates of Nabatiyeh and South, where project-supported teams will operate.

With donor funding for humanitarian demining decreasing, continued support for clearance is crucial for helping Lebanon meet its obligations under Article 4 of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). The project also plays a vital role in protecting local populations from the risks posed by explosive remnants of war and enabling safe land use for agriculture and community development.

As the national Mine Action Program (LMAP) progresses and the number of easily accessible areas declines, remaining clearance operations take place in highly challenging terrain—often rocky and densely vegetated, with high concentrations of metal debris or explosive contamination. These conditions can significantly affect both the speed and scope of clearance. Consequently, the project incorporates both conservative and optimistic targets, with actual outcomes dependent on the complexity of each specific task.

Medical and Psychosocial Assistance to Ukrainian Refugee Children in Moldova

The ITF project aims to provide humanitarian assistance, basic healthcare, and psychosocial support to Ukrainian refugees in Moldova. Particular attention is given to children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups who have been forced to flee their homes due to the conflict in Ukraine.

In cooperation with the local partner NGO Interaction, the project ensures access to essential health services, medications, and consultations, while also organizing psychosocial workshops and programs that promote emotional recovery, mutual support, and social inclusion.

A portion of the activities is specifically designed for children, offering art therapy, summer camps, and other forms of recreational engagement to help them cope with traumatic experiences and strengthen their psychological resilience.

Through this project, ITF contributes to improving the quality of life for refugees and enhancing their resilience and social integration within local communities in Moldova

*The designation Kosovo is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
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