Young Nicaraguan Survivor Wins Honorable Mention

(Tuesday 26 June 2001 Managua, Nicaragua)

"For a Mine-free Nicaragua and World" organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Neyrin Manuel Rivera Aguilar, 13, won honorable mention for his painting in the youth category. In 1995 Neyrin was walking with his cow near his home in Jalapa in the northern part of Nicragua when the cow stepped on a landmine. Neyrin lost his leg. He rides his new bike one hour to school, where he takes painting classes. The painting that won honorable mention depicts his accident. Neyrin has one younger brother and one sister. He traveled 9 hours with his mother to Managua to participate in the awards ceremony.

The painting contest was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to raise awareness about landmines in the country as part of the preparations for the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty. Nicaragua will host the meeting 18-21 September 2001. More than 1300 youth from around the country, including provinces most heavily mine-affected, sent in their works. Six winners in two categories, children and youth, were chosen.

ICBL coordinator Liz Bernstein and Colombia Campaign to Ban Landmines coordinator Diana Roa participated in the award ceremony at the Ministry in Managua on Friday 22 June. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Francisco X. Aguirre Sacasa presented awards to all of the winners. Many of the winning paintings will be used to make commemorative stamps for the Third Meeting of States Parties and other publicity materials for the event.