While mine related injuries continue, Mine Risk Education has helped dramatically reduce the number of people affected each year.

Landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs) are a major problem throughout the North and East of Sri Lanka, putting children and their families at risk of injury and death. To help raise awareness of the dangers posed by landmines, 21-27 June has been designated national Mine Risk Education (MRE) week across Sri Lanka.

MRE weeks have been held previously in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, but this week marks the first time it has been recognized as a national event. Throughout the week, activities will be held in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Batticaloa and other areas badly affected by the landmine problem. Nationally, radio spots will be aired to alert all Sri Lankans to the dangers of landmines and how to protect themselves against injury or death.

“In 2002, an average of 12.2 people were injured or killed by mines and UXOs each month in Sri Lanka,” says Mr. Ted Chaiban, UNICEF’s Representatives in Sri Lanka. “Intensified MRE activities by UNICEF and its partners in 2003 brought that averaged down to just 7 per month. A nearly 50 percent drop in the number of mine related injuries and deaths from the previous year.”

UNICEF is the lead agency for MRE in Sri Lanka and globally. UNICEF and its partners focus their work on school and community based initiatives to educate children and communities about the dangers of landmines and UXOs.

July, August and September are the most dangerous months in Sri Lanka for landmine injuries. Each year at this time, people return to their fields to begin planting and harvesting their crops. It is then that the lands of the North and East, seeded with explosives, reap their deadly harvest.

“June was selected for national MRE week because the organisations involved wanted to intensify MRE programmes and messages to try and reach the most vulnerable people in this country before we enter the most dangerous part of the year,” said Mr. Chaiban. “IF we can reach people now so that they take the necessary precautions before they go back to the fields, then we can save lives. It is that simple.”

Under the overall coordination of the National Steering Committee on Mine Action, UNICEF supports programmes which raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and UXOs and works with partners such as the National Institute for Education, the Provincial Departments of Education, Community Trust Fund, Mine Advisory Group, Sarvodaya, Save the Children, The Refugee Rehabilitation Organisation, Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation and White Pigeon.