Mine Clearance and Community Liaison in Angola - As it happens - When it happens
Author/Origin: Tim Carstairs - Mines Advisory Group tim.carstairsSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERmag.org.uk |
(Tuesday 04 December 2001 )
See today's mine clearance on MAG's stunning new website, www.magclearsmines.org MAG (Mines Advisory Group) assists people affected by conflict clearing landmines, and other debris of war.
Monday 3rd December 16.00 GMT through Sunday 9th December, view photos and stories of real life in Angola - live! Learn of the daily lives of Angolans, and of the job undertaken by MAG's Mine Action Teams as they work with affected communities to clear the legacy of war - landmines and unexploded bombs; see the difference made as people can again farm their land, herd their livestock and send their children to school safely and without fear; hear displaced people talk of their experiences and how MAG's efforts really have helped them rebuild shattered lives and livelihoods.
Leading this initiative are two award-winning photographers, Sean Sutton and JB Russel. Said Sean "This multi-media project is cutting edge - we will be reporting from the beleaguered city of Luena in Moxico Province, Angola. Here, MAG's work is really helping. Over 100,000 displaced people have been driven from their homes over years of fighting; 3,000 more are arriving each month, on foot and by army helicopter. They need our help to safely find food, water and rebuild their lives. MAG's work continues - our Teams work with the community to determine their needs : mines awareness activities for children, the clearance of mines and ordnance posing an immediate threat to life and limb".
MAG's work is fully integrated with other activities conducted by expert partners - we aim to provide the most comprehensive assistance to these communities affected by war. "With support from donors like the government of Germany, the Princess Diana Memorial Fund, Jersey Overseas Aid, UNOCHA-Angola, Anti-Landmijn Stichting, Bread for the World and Misereor, we are so proud to be making a difference." Said Lou McGrath, Executive Director of MAG.
Photos and stories include: the daily situation, landmine survivors day featuring hundreds of amputees marching, playing sports, dancing (Monday-Tuesday); other features will consider problems faced by internally displaced people, mine clearance, bomb disposal, Community Liaison teams working together with villagers to agree priorities, mine awareness/risk reduction and much more.
The world's most progressive Mine Action charity with over 10 years experience in 20 countries, MAG runs projects in Angola, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, northern Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Somaliland, southern Sudan, Vietnam and plans more projects through 2002. Sean again, "With support from Reuters, Staples Trust, New Media for Non-Profits, Open Society Institute, Polden Puckham Charitable Foundation, each day we will tell the stories as they happen on our fully reworked website. Visit www.magclearsmines.org now to find out more about MAG's work and how we really are making the world a safer place - clearing mines, saving lives and building futures".
For further information: Tim Carstairs on +44 (0)161 236 4311 or +44 (0)7818 410 474
