In the time it takes to watch a movie, around three children around the world would have stepped on a landmine. Children, who if they are not killed instantly, will have their education, livelihood opportunities and general well-being affected for the rest of their lives.
According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), over 80 per cent of the 15,000 to 20,000 landmine victims each year are civilians, and at least one in five are children.
What kind of future do children face, in a world where their playing ground is littered with silent but deadly toys?
In this context, 40 youth from nine countries gathered in Vientiane, Laos on October 2006 to discuss the problem of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in their countries. Representatives from the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam shared the status of landmines in their countries while Japan, Australia and New Zealand shared fundraising and campaign efforts to remove the scourge of landmines which continues to haunt over 68 countries.
With the help of organizers Australian Network to Ban Landmines and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union and the support of the Australian Embassy, the group came up with suggestions to help campaign for a landmine-free world.
Among the resolutions were to take legal action in their own countries, support mine action initiatives, provide survivor assistance and continue networking efforts.
In the months to come, the youth are expected to actively ask their governments about their plan for mine and UXO clearance. Many will continue their work on mine risk education to make the public and children aware of the problems caused by mines and UXO. Developing countries also seek the help of more developed countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Japan to continue funding various sections of mine action.
For legal action, the youth call on the Laos, Vietnam and Nepal governments to join the Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines. They also urge Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand, Laos, Japan, Vietnam, Canada, Nepal, Philippines and Thailand to Ban the Use of Cluster Munitions.
For survivor assistance, the youth want to find out the priority needs of landmine survivors and ask their governments and other donor countries for funds that really go towards the victims.
The meeting also brought about a youth network to share information and ideas between countries. In order to create more awareness on the issue, they aim to build a regional media network of journalists who can help UXO/mine action.
Kara Santos is the Youth Coordinator of the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL)
