Projects

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• An Interaction on The Impacts of Landmines and Unexploded Ordnances on Children



Period:	July 20, 2004 AD
Overview:	Due to the emergence of armed conflict and insurgency in Nepal, the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnances came to become one of the greatest threats to innocent civilians, especially children. An estimated 284 children were killed by landmine explosions during the nine year period of the insurgency. Furthermore, reports of landmine explosions and injured children are still being received. At least 29 more children have died and 29 more have been seriously injured. In an effort to address this situation, SAHARA Group organized an interaction called The Impacts of Landmines and Unexploded Ordnances on Children. The purpose of this interaction was to assess the impact of landmines and other unexploded explosives on children and share them among stakeholders, child rights organizations, government officials, journalists and civil society representatives.
Objectives:	Among the main objectives of the interaction were: Draw attention of the national and international communities and civil society to the indiscriminate use of landmines and other explosives. Draw attention to the serious child rights violations in Nepal. Urge national and international child rights organizations to take appropriate measures in order to promote the welfare of stray explosion victims. Suggest immediate measures that can be taken in order to provide relief to victims.
Activities:	The half-day event took place on July 20, 2004 with a total of 60 participants. A theme paper addressing the impact of landmines on children was presented by Mr. Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, the SAHARA Group President. Following the presentation, there was a discussion among the participants who expressed their views and woes about the landmine situation in Nepal.
Conclusions:	The main conclusion drawn out of the interaction was the necessity to develop effective audio-visual materials to promote awareness and education amongst the most vulnerable groups, and distribute them within the country. Also, it was concluded that an emergency relief fund for rescue and treatment of the victims was necessary.
Location:	Kathmandu, Nepal