Reference :
V-P-MM-E-00457
Date :
04/11/2021
Caption :
Kachin State, Myitkyina, Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) office. Stephan Sakalian, head of ICRC delegation in Myanmar, discusses with MRCS leaders about the issue of landmines.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
In 2021, the increasing use of landmines and other explosive devices has significantly limited the ability of civilians to move safely, earn a living and cultivate crops. In several cases, it has led to terrible human tragedies, with people losing their lives, or experiencing lifelong impairments, psychological trauma, social exclusion and educational hurdles. “The humanitarian cost from the use of landmines is simply unacceptable. This year in Kachin, at least 29 civilians, including five children, have been victims of mine explosions while carrying out their day-to-day activities. It is close to a 70 per cent increase when compared with the whole year 2020,” said Stephan Sakalian.
During his visit in Myitkyina in early November 2021, Mr Sakalian met with the leadership of the Myanmar Red Cross Society in Kachin State to discuss coordination efforts to increase mine risk awareness activities for communities living in conflict areas prone to landmine risks. Partnerships with civil society organizations in this field were also discussed. Finally, he visited Myitkyina physical rehabilitation centre, where the ICRC supports physical rehabilitation services for people in need of assistance, including victims of landmines and unexploded ordnances, and discussed ways to scale up activities.
“Our teams currently support close to 200 people, but our services have been significantly reduced in recent months, notably due to COVID-19. We are gradually resuming our physical rehabilitation activities and hope to be back to our full capacity as soon as possible,” Mr Sakalian said.
Resolution :
6000x4000
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
