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ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS AND ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTIONS, INSULZA CALLED FOR EFFORTS TO PREVENT FUTURE GENERATIONS FROM SUFFERING THE EFFECTS OF THIS SCOURGE

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza called for actions to prevent that future generations continue suffering the effects of the antipersonal landmines, on the occasion of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action that will be remembered this Saturday, April 4th.

“The Organization of American States wishes, on this International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, to highlight the urgent need for awareness of the grave and serious consequences brought about by mines and the need to educate ourselves so we may contribute to counter the dangers they pose”, affirmed the leader of the major hemispheric organization in a message dedicated to the International Day For Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

“The conflicts waged during our recent history have left behind a terrible threat for humanity: antipersonnel mines hidden in over 75 countries around the world. The overwhelming majority of those affected is not responsible for, or even participated in the conflicts that brought about this threat. The civilian population, male and female heads of households, mothers, and children are forced daily to face the dangers posed by this silent enemy”, said Insulza.

Among the many victims who have been affected by this scourge, Insulza highlighted the children. According to different sources, children account for 20 to 30% of victims of landmine accidents. “Children are society’s most vulnerable segment and must be urgently warned of the dangers they face” he remarked.

In this sense, the Secretary General emphasized that OAS Mine Action programs seek to protect children along three main lines of action. “Through mine awareness campaigns designed to provide greater understanding of the dangers; by including children in transmitting awareness messages to adults so that all may adopt safe behaviors; and, in partnership with government and non-government organizations by providing comprehensive assistance to survivors including emergency medical care, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and training and schooling if needed”.

Finally, Insulza mentioned that, although there still much work to be done on this matter, “ in our hemisphere, we have made substantial progress on this issue thanks to the Mine Action programs successfully completed in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Surinam, and currently in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Nicaragua”.

“I call upon the countries in our continent to redouble their efforts on mine awareness for the population in mine-affected zones; and to be especially concerned for the children. On our part, we will maintain our commitment along with the donor community and the Member States of our Organization, to see The Americas free of mines and our children living without fear”, he concluded.

Following is the complete text of the message presented by the Secretary General:

The conflicts waged during our recent history have left behind a terrible threat for humanity: antipersonnel mines hidden in over 75 countries around the world. The overwhelming majority of those affected is not responsible for, or even participated in the conflicts that brought about this threat. The civilian population, male and female heads of households, mothers, and children are forced daily to face the dangers posed by this silent enemy.

The Organization of American States wishes, on this International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, to highlight the urgent need for awareness of the grave and serious consequences brought about by mines and the need to educate ourselves so we may contribute to counter the dangers they pose. We must spare our future generations from suffering the consequences.

Although there is still much work to be done, in our continent we have made substantial progress on this issue thanks to the Mine Action programs successfully completed in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Surinam, and currently in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Nicaragua. Within these programs, awareness campaigns are carried out in both Spanish and the indigenous language of each mine-affected region. And within each campaign children are of major concern. OAS programs have greatly reduced risks for hundreds of communities and have assisted children and adult survivors to overcome difficult situations and to rejoin community life.

According to different sources, children account for 20 to 30% of victims of landmine accidents. Children are society’s most vulnerable segment and must be urgently warned of the dangers they face.

OAS Mine Action programs seek to protect children along three main lines of action. Through mine awareness campaigns designed to provide greater understanding of the dangers; by including children in transmitting awareness messages to adults so that all may adopt safe behaviors; and, in partnership with government and non-government organizations by providing comprehensive assistance to survivors including emergency medical care, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and training and schooling if needed.

I call upon the countries in our continent to redouble their efforts on mine awareness for the population in mine-affected zones; and to be especially concerned for the children. On our part, we will maintain our commitment along with the donor community and the Member States of our Organization, to see The Americas free of mines and our children living without fear.

Reference: E-111/09