The Forgotten 10 Challenge begins today - 10 days of action in support of the victims of landmines and cluster bombs.
From 1st-10th December, we are asking our supporters to take action to ensure that the victims are not forgotten. During the next 10 days, events will be taking place across the UK, in schools, libraries and public spaces. Supporters will be staging exhibitions, film screenings and talks to raise awareness about the impact of landmines and cluster bombs on communities worldwide.
There are two simple actions you can take to make a difference right now:
- Email Vince Cable, the Minister in charge of regulating UK banks, and ask him to ban investments in companies that produce illegal cluster bombs.
- Sign our global petition in support of the victims of landmines and cluster bombs.
There are many more ways that you can get involved - find out more.
Rosinas, who lost her leg to a landmine, at home with her son in Mozambique.
© J-J. Bernard/Handicap International
Why YOU should get involved:
Innocent civilians are still falling victim to these weapons.
There are still hundreds of millions of landmines and cluster bombs posing a threat to communities in about 80 countries and territories around the world. Around 70% of the victims are civilians, who continue to bear the brunt of the tragic legacy of these weapons.
Worldwide it is estimated that there are around 500,000 survivors of landmine and cluster bomb accidents. All survivors need sustained support to recover from their injuries and contribute to their families, communities, and society as a whole.
In 2011, there were 4,191 new victims recorded worldwide, an average of one victim every two hours. However, the actual number of casualties was certainly higher, as many accidents are not recorded.
Many victims still can't access the support they need.
Only 9% of global mine action funding in 2010 was put towards victim assistance. Cluster munition survivors themselves have emphasized that many victims are still waiting for much-needed assistance. Alongside the survivors, Handicap International is calling on governments to “move beyond words and take action” to make victim assistance services accessible for all.
"Victim assistance has been confirmed as one of the top priorities of the Convention against cluster munitions," said Aynalem Zenebe, an Ethiopian survivor of a cluster munition accident. "States are realizing the barbarity of these weapons. The thousands of victims - men, women and children - who have been unfairly injured can finally become the first beneficiaries of this treaty,” she added.
Keeping up the pressure.
Handicap International will continue to campaign to ensure that States live up to their commitments, particularly on victim assistance. “There is a need for swift and efficient aid to cluster munition victims. The Convention on Cluster Munitions provides ground-breaking provisions for victim assistance and if states properly fulfil their obligations these can significantly improve the lives and livelihoods of survivors, their families and communities” said Katleen Maes of Handicap International.
