By Macarena Aguilar
Decades of armed conflict in Myanmar’s Southeast have left farming land and forests contaminated with landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), which pose a major risk to children and their communities. This is particularly true in Kayin State, where all seven townships are plagued with explosive devices and accidents are still frequent.
Raising awareness among children in their schools about the many dangers of mines has become a flagship strategy for UNICEF and its partners since 2016. Children aged 8 to 14 are those most at risk and mine risk education (MRE) sessions have been designed with them in mind.
“This age group is especially vulnerable,” explains UNICEF’s Child Protection Officer Danee Luhar. “They are eager to explore and play in hideouts and will take more risks to do so. But also children this age are often in charge of fetching firewood or water for their families so will wander from the beaten paths.”
During 2017, only in Kayin state, together with DanChurchAid – Norwegian Church Aid and in collaboration with the Departments of Social Welfare and of Education, over 6000 school children have been reached.
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| ©UNICEF Myanmar/2017/Khine Zar Mon |