Twenty-three mine fatalities since June 1998, says local NGO

Twenty-three fatalities and 14 other incidents caused by mines and unexploded ordnance have been reported since June 1998, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) quoted ANDES, a local NGO, as saying in its latest update covering the period 16 January to 20 February.

HUMAID will purchase protective gear and finance a demining training course from a US $35,000 grant received from Great Britain. The demining NGO will seek more resources to launch a publicity campaign and to buy anti-fragmentation suits, gloves and vehicles for demining teams.

Meanwhile, Handicap International, a French NGO, is visiting Bissau to examine potential assistance to local centres for disabled and mine victims, OCHA said.