INTERNATIONAL MINE ACTION DAY A CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND A REMINDER OF THE TASK AHEAD FOR AFGHANISTAN

The Mine Action Programme of Afghanistan celebrated the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 3rd of April in the Loya Jirga Tent, in Kabul. Every year this day marks progress made in mine action, raising awareness about the threats of landmines and ERW, and progress toward their eradication as well as assistance to landmine survivors and persons with disabilities.

THTEE DISTRICTS of HERAT PROVINCE ARE DECLARED FREE of MINES AND ERW

Karokh, Chesht-e Sharif and Obe districts of Herat province are cleared from all type of know mine and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and were officially handed over to the communities and Government of Afghanistan during a ceremony held in Herat city, on January 16, 2013.

MACCA PROVIDES BRAILLE SCRIPT AND SIGN LANGAUGE TRAININGS TO SCHOOLS TEACHERS

For the first time Mine Action Coordination Center of Afghanistan (MACCA) conducted ten days trainings for 70 teachers on Braille script and sign language in Kabul city. The mentioned trainings were conducted by ANAD and SERVE organizations in Ayesha High School and the aim of these trainings were how the trained teachers bear with deaf and blind students in their schools, so they could have the rights to become literate such as other children.

FOR THE FIRST TIME MACCA SUPPORTS MINE/ERW RISK EDUCATION (M/ERW RE) INSTRUCTION COURSE FOR AFGHAN POLICE

Scope of the Problem: As of first quarter of 1391 (June 2012), there were 5,489 hazardous areas remaining in Afghanistan, affecting 563 sq. km and 1,847 communities.

Casualties: In 1390, 382 Afghans were injured or killed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, representing a significant decrease from a monthly average of 1,116 casualties in 1380. Of the total, 74% were children. It should also be noted that 89% of the overall casualties were caused by explosive remnants of war (ERW) or unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Mine Clearance:

MACCA HANDED OVER TO ALL-AFGHAN TEAM

Scope of the Problem: As of the end of 1390, there were 5,931 hazardous areas remaining in Afghanistan, affecting 585 sq. km and 1,915 communities.

Casualties: In 1390, 372 Afghans were injured or killed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, representing a significant decrease from a monthly average of 1,116 casualties in 1380. Of the total, 74% were children. It should also be noted that 89% of the overall casualties were caused by explosive remnants of war (ERW) or unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Mine Clearance:

Scope of the Problem: As of third quarter of 1390, there were 6,048 hazardous areas remaining in Afghanistan, affecting 588 sq. km and 1,930 communities.

Casualties: In the third quarter of 1390, 67 Afghans were injured or killed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, representing a significant decrease from a monthly average of 176 casualties in 1380. Of the total, 76% were children. It should also be noted that 85% of the overall casualties were caused by explosive remnants of war (ERW) or unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Mine Clearance:

UNMAS VISITS MAPA

The newly-appointed United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Programme Unit Chief, Paul Heslop, visited the Mine Action Coordination Center of Afghanistan (MACCA) for four days in November to reaffirm UNMAS’ commitment to the project and witness activities first-hand.