MAG is deeply concerned about the security situation in Georgia and South Ossetia and the potential humanitarian threat posed by abandoned and malfunctioning weaponry.
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"In both Iraq and Lebanon, we provided emergency response to deal with the heavy contamination of unexploded ordnance in civilian areas." Lou McGrath, |
There are indications that cessation of hostilities is imminent, but over the next few weeks, tens of thousands of displaced people will try to make their way back to their homes, some of which have been damaged or destroyed. Returnees will also be at high risk from death or serious injury caused by explosive ordnance.
Media coverage has shown intense rocket and tube artillery bombardments, as well as large aircraft bombs being dropped throughout the fighting in the region. Intensive ground conflict has also been reported, involving the use of mortars, grenades, shoulder launched rockets and other infantry weapons.
Based on its extensive experience in conflict zones, MAG is concerned that many of the abandoned weapons and ammunition could malfunction and present a lethal threat to the civilian population and to aid workers attempting to access and help them. The possibility for post-conflict reconstruction and development could be severely limited without the initial clearance of contaminated areas.
“We experienced a similar scenario in the immediate aftermath of the war in Iraq in 2003 and the war in Lebanon in 2006,” said Lou McGrath, Chief Executive of MAG. “In both countries we provided emergency response to deal with the heavy contamination of unexploded ordnance in civilian areas. We are extremely worried that the situation in the region is potentially showing a similar threat to civilians.“
Immediately after the 2006 war in Lebanon, MAG staff were on the ground to provide an emergency response to the extensive cluster munition contaminating the south of the country. Similarly, in northern Iraq, MAG teams were working on the ground before, during and after the 2003 conflict, clearing newly-laid minefields, cluster bomb strikes and abandoned ordnance.
MAG’s extensive experience in emergency clearance operations has involved removing the threat of newly-laid minefields, cluster munitions, unexploded and abandoned ordnance. MAG is one of the world’s leading providers of Mine Risk Education to refugees and internally displaced prior to, and during, their return to former conflict zones. MAG highlights the urgent need for such clearance and awareness initiatives in the region.
12 August 08