the forgotten victims of conflict. what are landmines? explosive devices designed to injure or kill...

The forgotten victims of conflict

What are landmines?

Explosive devices designed to injure or kill people Set off by the victims themselves Remain hidden for years

© John R

odsted

72 countries affected

Countries include:

- Senegal

- Afghanistan

- Lebanon

- Colombia

- Cambodia

- Angola

- Libya

Where have landmines been used?©

Gas

pard

Dur

osse

lle/H

andi

cap

Inte

rnat

iona

l

They scatter hundreds of bomblets over a large area.

When these explode, they blast out hundreds of metal fragments.

Many bomblets fail to detonate and are left behind on the ground.

What are cluster bombs?

© Z. Johnson/Handicap International

38 countries and territories affected

Countries include:- Iraq- Kosovo- Afghanistan- Somalia- Laos- Libya- Syria

Where have cluster bombs been used?©

S.

Bou

ko/H

andi

cap

Inte

rnat

iona

l

Landmines and cluster bombs are indiscriminate:

They cannot be aimed accurately.

Unexploded bombs lie hidden for years.

Over 70% of the victims are civilians and over 40% of civilian victims are children.

Who is affected?

© P. Jérôm

e/Handicap International

Survivors often struggle to take part in society or earn a living. The whole community lives with the threat of accidents happening. It can be dangerous to use fields, wells and roads. This can make it hard to grow food, collect water or go to school.

Impact on local communities

© John V

ink / Magnum

“As a victim of cluster munitions, having lost both legs, I address people who produce, use andtransfer these harmful weapons: I am begging you, please stop cluster munitions. Please sign and agree upon a total ban on cluster munitions and join the courageous States that have already signed this treaty.”

Soraj Ghulam HabibCountry: Afghanistan

Let’s work to achieve PEACE, PEACE, PEACE, not just for me, but for the whole of humanity.”

Real-life story©

Alison Locke

Helping survivors recover from their injuries

Rehabilitation©

C. H

errmann/H

andicap International

Clearing unexploded weapons

Demining©

Stuart F

reedman/H

andicap International

Preventing accidents by teaching about the risks

Raising awareness

© Handicap International

A demonstration against cluster bombs

Global campaigning©

Mette E

liseussen

Many countries are still affected by these weapons, and there are still new victims every day.

Hundreds of thousands of people still need support, including victims, their families and communities.

Some countries have not signed the treaties and so these weapons are still being produced and used.

A lot of work is still needed to get rid of these weapons forever.

© J-J. Bernard/Handicap International

Thank you for your support!

Contact: campaigns@hi-uk.org

www.handicap-international.org.uk/f10schools

You can make a difference. Spread the word about the problem and take action to support the victims!

Please support our petition to SAVE LIVES AND LIMBS

© J-J Bernard /Handicap international

Thank you!

Contact: campaigns@hi-uk.org

www.handicap-international.org.uk/F10