Deadly landmines threaten the lives and well-being of children in rural Colombia

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Nearly six years ago, when Irma Janeth was 10, she accidentally set her left foot on a landmine while walking through the woods in her hometown of Quebradona, rural Colombia. The explosion tore off one of her legs instantly, and left her unable to bear children.

"Its too horrible, what happens to people with these mines," said Irma. Despite the tragedy, Irma is determined to put the past behind her. "How do you get on with your life if you just keep crying about what happened to you?"

Having lost two years of school because of the accident, she has now resumed her studies. But like other young victims, she still needs help.

To assist civilians like Irma, the UN General Assembly has declared April 4 the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. The events will raise awareness about landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and progress toward their eradication.

Landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to kill or injure 15,000 people a year, many of them children, who are more likely to pick up and play with unfamiliar objects.

Mine action includes finding and destroying landmines and UXO, assisting victims, teaching people how to remain safe in a mine-affected environment, and destroying stockpiled landmines.

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Categories: Lifestyle

Tags: colombia ngo unicef

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