Landmine and cluster munition victims are still not getting the support they need, over a year after the entry info force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
To mark Human Rights Day on 10th December, Handicap International is calling for States to live up to their commitments and increase funding to ensure that the rights of survivors are realised. Survivors need long-term support to enable them to access vital services and play an active role in their communities and wider society. The 10th December also marks the end of Handicap International’s ‘Forgotten 10 Challenge’ 1, ten days of action in support of the victims of landmines and cluster munitions.
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Rosinas, who lost her leg to a landmine, at home with her son in Mozambique.
© J-J. Bernard/Handicap International
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Landmines and cluster munitions are indiscriminate weapons that kill and maim civilians long after a conflict has ended. Although both weapons are subject to international bans, accidents continue to occur on a daily basis. Over 4,000 victims of landmines and unexploded remnants of war were recorded in 2010, an average of about one victim every two hours2.
Despite the high number of accidents, there is still a lack of funding dedicated to providing assistance to survivors and their families. Landmines and cluster munitions contaminate some of the poorest countries in the world, and victims often find that they cannot access the services they need, such as healthcare, rehabilitation and support for their inclusion in society.
“It is extremely concerning that less than 10% of global mine action funding is allocated to assisting victims, who remain largely forgotten. Worldwide, there are an estimated 500,000 survivors of accidents from landmines and unexploded remnants of war. Many survivors require lifelong assistance but the funding currently allocated falls far short of meeting the real needs on the ground”, explained Stephanie Stuart, Director of Handicap International UK.
Over the last ten days, Handicap International’s supporters have been calling on the UK government to take action to stop investments in cluster munitions3. The continued funding of cluster munitions producers by UK banks is in stark contrast with the significant needs of survivors and the ongoing need for mine clearance.
Only long-term commitment with sufficient resources can free communities from the threat posed by these barbaric weapons. Handicap International is working at all levels to ensure that these weapons are eradicated for good and that the survivors get the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Speaking in September 2011 at the meeting of States parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Beirut, Aynalem Zenebe, a member of Handicap International’s Ban Advocates4 explained: “Cluster munition victims, like me, want the same opportunities as everyone to support families, work, and be a part of life in our communities. We count on you to take steps so that the promise of this Convention is realised for all cluster munition victims.”
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Press contact
Tom Shelton, Handicap International UK
Tel: +44 (0)870 774 3737 | Mob: +44 (0)7508 820 520
Email: media@hi-uk.org
www.handicap-international.org.uk
facebook.com/HandicapInternationalUk | twitter.com/hi_uk
Co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Handicap International is an international aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we take action and raise awareness in order to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. Handicap International is a co-founder of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Cluster Munition Coalition.
Notes
1 News item on Forgotten 10 Challenge here.
2 www.the-monitor.org/index.php/LM/Press-Room/Landmine-Monitor-Media-Kit/Major-Findings
3 The campaign letter can be found at: http://act.handicap-international.org.uk/lobby/11
4 www.banadvocates.org
