news august 2006 IN THIS ISSUE: Building Peace After Conflict MAG community liaison in Sudan Speak Up for MAG!

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1 august 2006 news IN THIS ISSUE: Clean Water New Hope Working in partnership with World Vision in Cambodia Rebuilding Lives In Iraq, MAG helps displaced communities return to a traditional way of life The History Road Making history and improving access in Angola as a key bridge is rebuilt over the Lungue Bungue river Building Peace After Conflict MAG community liaison in Sudan Returning Land Clearing areas and rebuilding homes in a Vietnam village STOP PRESS: Lebanon Crisis MAG s conflict recovery programme and emergency appeal Speak Up for MAG! See the back page to find out how you can help raise MAG s profile across the country by telling your local school, community group or Rotary Club all about our work. Journey Through Africa s Dark Heart Sean Sutton travels up the Congo River with MAG clearance teams

2 Contents Page three four six eight nine ten Rebuilding Lives Iraq Returning Land Vietnam Journey Through Africa s Dark Heart DR Congo The History Road Angola Clean Water New Hope Cambodia Building Peace After Conflict Sudan STOP PRESS Lebanon Crisis At the time of going to press, MAG is the only UK charity on the ground in Lebanon working towards removing unexploded weapons from homes, schools, towns and villages. At least 10 per cent of the bombs dropped during the conflict have not detonated and are posing an immediate threat to the lives of some 900,000 Lebanese civilians trying to return to their homes. You can help the people of Lebanon rebuild their lives by making a donation. Call or visit magclearsmines.org. Please give what you can, thank you. visit for up to date information about MAG s activities and forthcoming events MAG (Mines Advisory Group), 47 Newton Street, Manchester, M1 1FT, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0) maguk@mag.org.uk

3 Rebuilding Lives Story by Emily Reilly File photo by Sean Sutton MAG deminers completely cleared four minefields in and around the village of Moffar. It is difficult to describe to you what our land and traditional way of life means to us. Gaining back the use of this land will give a sense of security back to our community. This is the village leader (or Anjuman) of Moffar in Iraq talking to a MAG community liaison team in December He explained that if land was returned by early 2006 they would be able to plough and sow, and prepare for the harvest later in the year. After the Kurdish uprising in 1991, the 45 families that made up the village of Moffar fled to escape the military bulldozers that destroyed their community. This was to make way for an Iraqi army position along the Green Line. The families joined many others from destroyed villages, and relocated to Shorash town. The people of Moffar are traditionally farmers and shepherds and have been denied access to their land for 15 years - firstly due to the military occupation, then because of the remnants of conflict. After the fall of the regime in 2003, families began to return and many attempted to use the land again. There were 11 casualties as a result, and more than 150 sheep and other livestock were lost. Faced with these dangers, the villagers were forced to withdraw again from the land and sought out MAG s help. MAG began work in the area around Moffar in 2003 and demarcated a total of 18 minefields. Four minefields have now been completely cleared and more than 4,000 landmines and 284 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO) have been removed and safely destroyed. A follow up visit to Moffar took place in April this year and the community liaison team were shown cultivated land on the sites of the cleared minefields. Mohammad, a 32- year-old farmer, talked about what it meant to him: I have now cultivated my land for the first time as I was a child when we fled in Thanks to MAG I will be planting more crops next season. Other farmers have also started to use their land again. I thank MAG for their continued work and support to our communities. Teams funded by Sida three

4 Returning Land Story by Stephen Bradley with contributions from Ms Thuy and Mr Vu On the evening of 21 February 2006, the village of Tan Hiep, Cam Tuyen commune in Cam Lo District, central Vietnam suffered a terrible landslide, which completely destroyed 66 homes and badly damaged the roads in and out of the community. One of the villagers, Mr Tam, describes what happened: I was at home watching TV when I heard what sounded like several explosions. I ran out to the garden and saw that a big hole had appeared. As I made my way back to the house I saw the walls starting to crack and collapse in front of my eyes and heard the neighbours shouting earthquake... earthquake... Heavy rains between 16 and 19 February, combined with a previously unknown underground water course, had caused the ground in the village to subside. Fortunately there were no fatalities, but 66 families were left homeless and forced to relocate to a tented camp set up by the local authorities, three kilometres to the north east of what was left of the village. Plans were made to relocate the village of Tan Hiep to an area safe from further subsidence. Unfortunately this area had suspected unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination and, before any building work could commence, the area had to be cleared. Due to the urgency of the situation, and the cramped, uncomfortable conditions in which the villagers were living, MAG mobilised two teams to the area to conduct clearance. Mr four

5 A MAG team runs a large-loop detector over the final area of clearance in Tan Hiep. April Dai, a 67-year-old villager said at the time: We are so happy to see MAG here. Currently we have to live in these plastic tents. It is hot and stuffy when it s sunny and damp when it rains. I can stand these conditions, but my grandchildren, they get sick from this. Mrs Tinh, a mother of two small children added: Thanks to the assistance from the local authority I was provided land and materials so that a house can be built, but I can t do it because I m scared that mines or bombs might still be in the ground. We hope that MAG can finish the clearance soon so that I and the other villagers here can start setting up our homes again. With early summer temperatures soaring to as high as 37/38 degrees centigrade, a total of 14 MAG technicians had to work quickly before the heat in the temporary tents became unbearable for the villagers. In a month, they cleared an area of close to six hectares (59, 269 sq/m), finding and destroying a total of 24 items of UXO. This meant that the new housing could be built in safety with help from volunteers from the Vietnamese Youth Union. The villagers from Tan Hiep could once again return to their normal lives. This episode shows how our work is more than just landmine or bomb clearance and contributes to development in many different ways. In some countries MAG s operations are vital, not only during conflict but, as in cases such as these, also years after conflict. Teams funded by the Freeman Foundation five

6 1 2 Journey Through Africa Dark Heart Photo story by Sean Sutton (1) MAG teams head up the Congo River, then up one of the tributaries; the Ikelemba River. (2) The teams arrive at a village where they will camp for the night. The journey from Mbandika to Bolumba takes two and a half days. The 19 people travel in two boats; a large trimaran and a Zodiac. There is one team of mine and bomb technicians and a small community liaison staff team, who will be gathering information and providing mine risk education. Equipment carried includes two quad bikes, seven large tents and thousands of litres of fuel. 4 5 (3) An expat technical field manager and a community liaison adviser run the teams. Here the boats are packed in the early morning rain after a hot steamy night s sleep in the jungle. (4) Children at Bosandjo school, Bolumba play close to an unexploded mortar bomb. There was heavy fighting here during the war between 1996 and 2000 and deadly remnants of conflict are in abundance. On the first day the MAG teams received dozens of dangerous area reports just in and around Bolumba town. MAG destroyed the mortar bomb the following day. (5) The community liaison team discuss a map showing the dangerous areas reported in the region so far. (6) A cache of ammunition in Boyenge town. As a result, the community has been frightened of the area and none of land has been used. (7) MAG staff provide mine risk education at Bosandjo school. (8) Villagers from Boyenge wave the team goodbye. Their lives will be much safer now thanks to MAG s intervention. 7 Sean Sutton/MAG To purchase any of MAG s photographs contact the Communications Department on +44 (0)

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8 The new 60 metre bridge crossing the Lungue Bungue river, built following MAG s clearance of the area. The wreckage of the old destroyed bridge can be seen beneath. The History Road Story by Lydia Good July was something of a historical day in Angola - it marked the first time in 23 years that people were able to cross the Lungue Bungue river by car and drive on to the village of Luchona. Prior to that date the only way of crossing the river was by boat or you could swim (if you could avoid the crocodiles). Since 1983, when UNITA forces destroyed the bridge and mined the surrounding area, it had been impossible to cross this major waterway by car, truck or motorbike. MAG assessed then cleared the area around the bridge enabling the World Food Programme (WFP) to proceed with its bridge reconstruction programme. MAG s road operations unit played a crucial role by verifying the intervening roads between the construction sites. This process identifies anti-tank mines and is carried out using a large loop detector mounted on an armour-plated Rhamba vehicle. In total, 57 anti-personnel and 10 anti-vehicle mines, plus 103 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO) were removed and destroyed; a huge relief to nearby communities. help further the refugee reintegration process implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In the longer term, with increased accessibility to agricultural resources, farmers will be able to grow more than they need simply to survive, helping the trade and economy of the region. In time, the improved road access will help reduce the price of food, and develop local trade opportunities. At one time, this province was destroyed and divided by war. Due to MAG s clearance and our partners redevelopment work the region has now been opened up once again to its people. It will help improve access for transport and trade, and will allow humanitarian agencies to deliver much needed development and support. This story highlights the role MAG has to play as part of a wider development need. We re pleased our successful partnerships with WFP and UNHCR have produced such positive results and we look forward to providing news on how the bridge has affected the area in years to come. Measuring some 60 metres in length, the newly constructed metal bridge is a key link in the chain of bridges connecting Luena in the north with Lumbala Nguimbo in the south. This cuts the travel time between the two centres from a back-breaking two days to just six hours. In the short term, increased access will eight MAG in Angola funded by

9 Clean Water New Hope Story by Pao Dara Rassmei Clean water from the new pump means the villagers of Ekapheap can grow more food. MAG has worked in close partnership with World Vision in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia since 2004, clearing land to provide safe access to agricultural land, schools, wells and other community resources. A pump well has now been built in Ekhapheap village on land cleared by MAG. This well is being used by people who previously had to travel a great distance from home to collect water for drinking and watering their plants. Now they need only walk a short distance in safety to draw water for their needs. Noun Sokhon is 42 years old and married with six children - two boys and four girls. She and her husband, Sam Batny, have lived in the area since 1983, but during the fighting they were evacuated from their village a couple of times. We have lived in a dangerous area for many years, she told us. To ensure that land in the village is safe, World Vision requested MAG to clear suspect areas so that the pump well could be constructed. Now the well is used by Sokhon and her family. After the well was built, our life improved because we now have enough water for our daily needs. Most of the villagers are dependent on growing vegetables for their meals, so we badly need water. I now grow many edible plants, such as corn, egg plant, sugar canes, chillies and gourds using water from the well. Over the course of this two year project, MAG and World Vision have done crucial work in helping the people in Preah Vihear rebuild their lives after the prolonged conflict. They are now returning to a normal way of life free from the fear that they, or their loved ones, might suffer a landmine accident. Sokhon sums up her family s feelings: We would like to thank MAG for clearing this land for us and thank World Vision for providing the pump well. With this water we will be able to grow food and support our family. In partnership with

10 Former SPLA soldier, Paul Oliha, explains his village s concerns to MAG s community liaison manager, Simon Wooldridge. Building Peace After Conflict Story by Simon Wooldridge Paul Oliha is a former Sudan People s Liberation Army (SPLA) soldier now living as a farmer in the small village of Imurok near the town of Torit in south Sudan. One of MAG s community liaison teams recently visited the Imurok to meet with Paul and assess the villagers needs. Many of Imurok s original inhabitants fled between , and in 2002, when the fighting was at its heaviest in the area. As a former soldier Paul knows that both antipersonnel and anti-tank mines were laid near to the trenches surrounding the village. The trenches are still visible today, as are piles of abandoned and unexploded ordnance, which include mortar bombs and rocket propelled grenades. The former inhabitants are reluctant to return home to these, their ancestral lands, because of these dangers. In spite of this, many people are still forced to come to the village during the dry season, to fetch water from the borehole, much of the time crossing over potentially dangerous land. For those who have returned (currently this is estimated at about 100 people) these remnants of conflict make life extremely difficult. As Paul says: It is like living in prison. Most men in the village are farmers who suffer as they cannot move very far with their goats and cows. Children are unable to leave the village to play as there are piles of unexploded ordnance (UXO), barely hidden in the grass. The local school was partly destroyed in the fighting and around the buildings, scraps of guns and munitions remain - schooling now takes place ten

11 outside, beneath a large tree. The dangers for the village are real: in the past 12 months a policeman had his heel blown off, and a government forces soldier had his foot amputated, both after stepping on mines. MAG s mine risk education explains the danger signs and can ultimately save lives. During their visit, MAG s community liaison team carried out assessments to determine the level of mine awareness among the community, and it was clear that children in particular needed more information about the risks. In response, MAG gave a mine risk education presentation to about thirty school children and their teachers. With resources scarce and in spite of the dangers, some people in the village keep items of UXO near to their homes, using lines of bullets as doormats, mortar shells to balance their saucepans and rockets as frames for their huts. MAG s team discussed the dangers with these people and looked at possible, safer, alternatives. By the end of the visit, Paul said that he was please to see MAG working in the village. Now there is peace we need to clear up the land so that development can take place, he said. We used to be a big village with a proper school. We want that again. MAG in Sudan funded by

12 Speak up for MAG! You don t have to be a deminer to help make the world a safer place. MAG is looking for people who are interested in increasing our public profile across the UK by joining MAG s network of speakers. If you are able to spare an occasional afternoon or evening to tell groups, organisations and schools about why you support MAG, then please get in touch. We will provide you with full training and materials and will help cover travel expenses. All you need is enthusiasm and an ability to communicate well with people of all ages. To find out more about how you can get involved, contact Irena or Julia on or maguk@mag.org.uk Death Valley Cycle Challenge 4-11 March 2007 Join Cockney Rebel Steve Harley on his quest to cycle across Death Valley in California and raise money to clear the real death valleys in countries affected by war or conflict. This is your last chance to register for this once-in-a-lifetime event, so call now! To find out more about this fantastic event or to receive an information pack contact Harriett on or fundraising@mag.org.uk Mr/Mrs/Ms: Address: WATCH THIS SPACE MAG will soon be launching a number of new events including a celebrity shoe auction, a fantastic four day cycling event and a sponsored walk. Keep your eyes on for more information on these events and more. $ make the world a safer place: donate to MAG today Postcode: Telephone: Signature: Date: I would like to give I enclose a cheque payable to MAG (tick if yes) or Please debit my: Visa MasterCard Solo Switch CAF Card Card No: Issue No (Switch only): Valid from: / Expiry date: / Security Code: (on reverse) Aug 2006 If you prefer not to receive MAG news and updates direct to your door please tick here (MAG will not pass your details on to any other organisation) Please return to: Lou McGrath, Freepost, MAG If you are a UK taxpayer MAG can claim an extra 28% on your donation at no extra cost to you. Just tick the box and we ll do the rest. I am a taxpayer and wish MAG to treat all donations I have made as Gift Aid donations until further notice. Note: you must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax equal to the tax deducted from your donation. (currently 28p for every pound given)