Mine Risk Education

Even in areas that are heavily contaminated by landmines or other unexploded weapons people cannot just stop living their lives. They still have to feed their families, educate their children, grow what they can on their land, find work and live their lives. It is essential however that they understand the threat around them and know how to identify hazardous situations and avoid unnecessary risks, while they are waiting for their land to be made safe.

UNICEF defines mine risk education as “a process that promotes the adoption of safer behaviours by at-risk groups and links affected communities and other mine-action components.”

Mine risk education can come in many forms, through posters and leaflets, lessons in schools, travelling art and drama groups and word of mouth. All are designed with the same aim – to reduce the impact of landmines and other unexploded weapons on innocent civilians.