MAG chosen once again to represent the NGO sector in DRC on the occassion of the international Landmine Day celebrations
For the third consecutive year MAG was chosen to represent all international non-governmental organisations operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the 4 April International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action celebrations, hosted this year by the Dutch Embassy.
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'Humanitarian Mine Action operations were carried out in every single one of the 10 provinces of DRC last year' - MAG DRC Programme Office Matthew Willner-Reid. [Photos: MAG DRC] |
Matthew Willner-Reid, Programme Officer, gave a speech to the assorted dignataries on behalf of MAG DRC, in which he outlined that unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination is a problem that continues to affect the entire country, giving the example that last year Humanitarian Mine Action operations were carried out in every single one of the 10 provinces of DRC.
Mme. L’Or Mbongo, a popular Congolese singer and the national ambassador against landmines, debuted her new song at the event which focusses on the dangers of landmines and UXO, while providing stay safe messages.
The song is currently being translated into all the official languages of Congo and will be distributed widely both within DRC and in the surrounding region. Mme Mbongo has been selected to represent the DRC at the World Exposition in Shanghai later this year.
The Head of UNICEF, the Director of the UN Mine Action Coordination Centre and the Deputy Head of Mission of the Dutch Embassy all outlined the importance of the work being carried out in DRC by international and national operators alike in this field.
The Head of Cabinet of the Minister of the Interior announced that, in view of the remaining contamination levels in the country, DRC will seek to be granted a ten year extension to its obligation under the Ottawa Treaty to be "mine-free" by 2012.
9 April 2010
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