Somalia
Act for Peace in Somalia
Four decades of conflict have left Somalia littered with landmines, cluster and other remnants of war. In addition, many people in Somalia have private stockpiles of weapons and ammunition.
The Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor identified 2,354 casualties from mines and other remnants of conflict in Somalia (excluding Somaliland) between 1999 and 2008, including 832 fatalities.
Act for Peace’s partner, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), runs Mine Risk Education teams in Somalia. Mine Risk Education educates communities about the dangers posed by remnants of conflict, delivering tailored safety messages to those most under threat. Work also continues on training local Somalis and their police on disposal of explosive ordnance.
Risk Education activities vary considerably depending on the target audience (such as age, gender and literacy) and the context in which they live and work. MAG also trains focal points within communities, such as teachers and religious or village leaders, to deliver Risk Education. MAG designs and distributes materials, which supports the delivery of Risk Education, such as school curricula, safe village packs and a range of small media.
A Risk Education session may include, for example, how to recognise commonly found remnants of conflict, how to report a dangerous item, what to do in an emergency, known areas of contamination and accidents, warning clues and signs for mined areas, how to keep others safe, and more.
As well as face-to-face discussions and community meetings, Risk Education can also be delivered through, for instance, radio and TV broadcasts, billboards, posters, drama and music.
