Reference :
V-P-AF-E-02617
Date :
15/11/2018
Caption :
Helmand, Lashkar Gah. Shamsullah (on the left), 14 years old, lost his two legs in a landmine explosion three years ago. He was referred to ICRC Physical Rehabilitation Centre by the Emergency Hospital. He is now walking with prosthesis and the support of his two crutches. In the afternoon, he goes to public school, where everybody helps him.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
“When the explosion happened, I thought it was a nightmare”, he says. “I did not know it was the reality. I shouted my father who was few steps behind to come to help me. Then, I realized it was true. A mine exploded and I was injured”. He is now walking with prosthesis and crutches. “At the beginning, it was a bit difficult. I was confused and did not know how to use them, but then I learned and I felt more comfortable”, he says. The young smiling boy wants to work at the ICRC when he grows up. He wants to become a doctor. “If he had legs, he could do anything, but without we are so worried about his future. We are pushing him to be independent” says his big brother. He has a wheelchair he rarely uses. He chooses to walk in the morning to go to his private school, and in the afternoon to reach his public school and, in the evening to attend the religious class at the madrassa.
Antipersonnel landmines and explosive remnants of war are a disaster for Afghanistan, one of the world's most mined countries. 750 000 people are still threatened by the presence of mines and explosive remnants of war in Afghanistan, according to the Landmine Monitor.
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
8256x5504
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
