Six staff members of the humanitarian agency
CARE International were killed after a landmine explosion Friday, Dec.
12th, in Angola, the organisation announced Wednesday.
The men, all Angolan nationals, were
working for CARE on a short-term basis as part of a farmers' association
training program in the central province of Bié. Five of them, Jose Kuvenge,
Elias Bambi Samaria, Joao Chissapa, Adelino Kanguende and Nicolau Tomas,
died when a tractor and trailer they were riding drove over a landmine,
detonating it.
A sixth employee, Antonio Salvador, who was hospitalized after losing a limb in the accident, died Tuesday night. The tractor driver, Paulino Quintas, was in good condition after suffering head injuries.
"We are deeply saddened by this loss of life, but at the same time we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Angola," said CARE USA CEO, Peter Bell. "It is tragedies such as these that highlight the importance of helping people overcome the aftermath of violent conflict and build a better future." CARE USA manages the activities of all CARE International Members in Angola
"Angola is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, a legacy of its decades-long civil war, which ended last year. Landmine explosions are one of the worst hazards faced by CARE workers in the African country," said CARE's Country Director in Angola, Doug Steinberg.
Between 15,000 and 20,000 people are killed or maimed each year by the explosive devices, according to estimates by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). Some 70 countries are affected by mines, most of them in the poorest areas where local populations depend on the land for survival. Many more such incidents happen in remote places where they are never reported.
A 1997 treaty banning the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of antipersonnel landmines has been ratified by 141 countries and signed by another nine. A remaining 44 countries, including the United States, have not joined the treaty.
More than 130 workers from members of CARE International, including CARE Australia have died in the line of duty over the past two decades, ranging from vehicle accidents to incidents involving unexploded ordnance and landmines.
For media interviews with Robert Yallop, Principal Executive Overseas Operations and Program, please call Jessica Walker on 03 9826 6077 or 0419 567 777.
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For interviews with CARE Australia staff for an update on CARE's work please call Jessica Walker on 02 6279 0250, or via email: <jessica.walker@careaustralia.org.au>