How Mine Action Supports Rotary's Six Areas of Focus
Dear Canadian Rotarians,
Can you think of one item that frustrates all six of Rotary’s areas of focus? In mine-affected countries, promoting peace, fighting disease, clean water, sanitation and hygiene, helping mothers and children, education, and local economies are all held back by one thing: landmines.
The Canadian Landmine Foundation is asking Rotarians to renew their commitment to eliminating these terrible weapons and helping those who live in fear of them.
Support for mine action is a time-tested way for Canadian Rotarians to advance all six of Rotary’s areas of focus. Rotarians and Rotary Clubs have helped the Canadian Landmine Foundation fund projects that cleared mines and assisted survivors in places like Bosnia, Mozambique, and Afghanistan.
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Today the Canadian Landmine Foundation supports mine action in Cambodia through a partnership with a grassroots organization called Cambodian Self Help Demining which operates demining and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams in rural areas. When villagers find mines and other explosive remnants of war, one of their five EOD teams are dispatched to neutralize the explosives and conduct mine risk education.
How does mine action benefit Rotary’s areas of focus?
Mine Action Promotes Peace
Landmines and explosive remnants of war claim lives long after the fighting ends. Mine action assists victims, fosters cooperation, and saves lives. Mine action helps people live in peace.
Mine Action Fights Disease
Landmines and explosive remnants of war prevent clinics from opening and sick people from travelling to them. Mine action improves access to care for all.
Mine Action Provides Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Landmines and explosive remnants of war contaminate wells and aquifers, and prevent the construction of modern infrastructure. Mine action clears the way for safe access to housing and the sustainable development of basic services.
Mine Action Saves Mothers and Children
Landmines and explosive remnants of war harm anyone who comes in contact with them and restrict access to crucial child and maternal care. Mine action removes these obstacles to help families grow safely and securely. SAFE to play. SAFE to work. SAFE to live.
Mine Action Supports Education
Landmines and explosive remnants of war endanger children on their way to school and keep them from attending for fear of injury or to care for injured loved ones. Mine action allows the safe construction of schools, and teaches children how to stay safe through mine risk education.
Mine Action Grows Local Economies
Landmines and explosive remnants of war keep land from the plough, and block transportation routes. Mine action releases land for agricultural and industrial use, and (re)opens value chains and markets. On behalf of the Canadian Landmine Foundation’s Rotary Engagement Committee, we ask that you consider a commitment to this worthwhile humanitarian cause, in keeping with this year’s Rotary theme to “be the Inspiration.” For more information on how your club can become involved, email us at admin@canadianlandmine.org or visit canadianlandmine.org/rotary. |
