Egypt's northwest coast is contaminated with approximately 17 million landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) from World War II. According to the Landmine Monitor Report 2007, Egypt is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world after hotspots such as Afghanistan, Angola and Bosnia. The Ministry of Defence estimates that about 700 people have been killed in mine explosions since 1945.
This video short highlights the work of Ahmed Amer's Gardens of Peace organisation which is trying to set up a database of surviving landmine victims and hoping to tackle the government's lack of victim assistance. From the Libyan border to the city of Alexandria, he talks about what mine incidents they have catalogued so far, the causes and type of disabilities inflicted, and the employment status of living victims.
Amer's goal is to implement, in conjunction with the UN Development Programme and the Egyptian government, a mine action program including demining operations, mine risk education and victim assistance. He is seeking financial support from World War II's allied nations.
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Watch video: www.irinnews.org/audiofiles/Egypt_s_northwest_coast_is_contaminated...flv
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