I come from Pokvash, the village in Ochamchira region of Abkhazia. Right after the war 1992-1993 many locals suffered from antipersonnel mines in my village. During the winters people went to the nearest forests to collect wood. On some occasions they became victims of landmines. Up to 40% of live stock in my village was killed by landmines.
The road to our village was heavily mined during 1992-1993. On a number of occasions local buses hit landmines. Many people I know were injured by them. When the HALO Trust began survey and assessment of the area in 2001 the road was closed. We hope that the organization will help us to use this land again. On many occasions young people of Ochamchira region raised these issues with local authorities and foreign organizations which visited the area.
The Mine Risk Education classes were given in our village in 2000 by the Abkhaz Mine Action Centre. They were very helpful to the villagers, the number of casualties have decreased, though the danger is still there.
People in the village learned to exchange information about landmines and UXOs. This helped us to avoid landmine accidents. Me and my friends have also informed Landmine Monitor researchers and the HALO Trust survey teams on the landmine accidents and the location of the dangerous areas.
There must be no more new mines. I hope that the mines which are already in the ground will be destroyed. All the landmine producers must know what they create and be responsible for it.
For more information about the landmine situation in Abkhazia please read the latest Landmine Monitor report.
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