Landmine Awareness

All war is ugly, but death or injury from a landmine or cluster bomb must be the most horrific.

-25,000 deaths or injuries happen each year from mines.

-85% of children injured die before they reach hospital.

-All survivors require at least one amputation.

-Landmines rob the poorest of people the use of land & safe access to water. 

-Treating survivors drains the poorest countries of scare resources.

Cluster bombs & ERW (explosive remnants of war) are unexploded ordnance that remain after conflict is over.
These include unexploded cluster bomblets, artillery shells, grenades, mortars, rocket and air-dropped bombs.

Children are especially at risk & they pay with their lives  or limbs. . . .

You can help . . .
Simply click the link below to sign a petition to ensure that the needs of civilians are addressed

www.clearup.org

For several years our club has advocated for Landmine & ERW (explosive remnants of war) Awareness.
The Action we have taken:

  • We have hosted two high profile study days
  • Raised £1000 dedicated to 'Limbs for Life' a four-year international club project in partnership with the Red Cross to provide artificial limbs in Afghanistan, Angola & Georgia
  • Supported a local firm that build mine clearing vehicles & train clearing personnel in Cambodia
  • Worked with other NGO's like Landmine Action and MAG (Mines Advisory Group) to lobby UK ministers as well as US President George Bush.
  • Maintain advocacy especially during Landmine Awareness week each November.

'Landmines affect the daily lives of those in the poorest communities
of 73 countries.'

Richard Lloyd, Director of Landmine Action pictured above with club past President Valerie holding landmine examples

The Ottawa Treaty bans the sale, manufacture and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines as well as obliging countries to clear their own mined territory.

137 countries have signed up the Ottawa Treaty but players like China, the USA, Russia, Pakistan, Turkey, Finland & India still haven't signed.

In Nov. 2002 in honour Landmine Awareness Week

Frugal Lunch for Remembering Landmine Victims
On a cold Sat. lunchtime four members served up homemade soup and sandwiches to raise £25 for a peal of bells on Remembrance Sunday.  The lunch was far from frugal and the raffle + donations netted £130.  The remaining £105 went towards a MAG mine clearing appeal in The Sudan.

For more information contact us via e-mail:  info@kenilworthsoroptimists.co.uk