Reference :
V-P-LY-E-00320
Date :
25/02/2012
Caption :
Sirte. Hosam, 14 years old teenager victim of an unexploded ordnance, plays with his mobile phone. He lost 3 fingers and 2 toes in the explosion.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
ICRC website, Feature, 26-03-2012
Libya: unexploded munitions scar bodies and minds
Libya’s recent conflict has left behind huge quantities of unexploded shells, mines and ammunition. The temptation to play with these items is sometimes irresistible, and the consequences often tragic. The ICRC and the Libyan Red Crescent are working hard to remove these devices and to warn people of the danger. For some, it is already too late.
A late February afternoon in Sirte, Libya. Hosam Aldeen Alsonosi, 14, is playing with his brother in the golden sunshine, his left hand and foot enveloped in bandages. Hosam’s little brother is taking care of him, as he has been in a wheelchair for over two months.
Hosam used to play football. To him, anything on the road was a football. "On 12 December 2011, I was playing football when a plastic object caught my attention. I picked it up and threw it at the wall. It exploded." Hosam lost three fingers and two toes. He can no longer run around and play as he used to. His new favourite toy is his mobile phone, which at least allows him to communicate with his friends, and play games without asking for help.
The recent conflict in Libya has changed the lives of people like Hosam. Cities such as Sirte have been hard hit. Heavy fighting took place here for more than a month, leaving unexploded devices all over the city and the surrounding farmland. Empty cases litter the sand, but the danger comes from the unexploded ordnance that lies in fields and homes.
(...)
Meanwhile, Hosam is starting to deal with the physical and psychological scars. A process that will take a lifetime.
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
2736x3648
Orientation :
portrait
Colour/B&W :
colour
