The deminers who risk their lives daily to rid Lebanon of deadly munitions have been honoured in a special ceremony celebrating MAG's clearance of more than 13 million square metres of land in the country since 2006.
After the conflict with Israel, vast areas of southern Lebanon were littered with unexploded cluster munitions. MAG already had teams in the country but stepped up its emergency clearance operations, responding to the worst affected areas first.
Since then, MAG’s teams have been working to help communities in southern Lebanon recover.
Chief Executive Lou McGrath OBE joined ambassadors from the US, UK, Norway, Germany and Australia, the Director of the Lebanese Mine Action Center (LMAC) and the Force Commander of the UN's Interim Force in Lebanon (UNFIL) at the MAG Lebanon-hosted ceremony.
“Tonight’s event is an opportunity to honour our deminers who daily risk their lives to rid Lebanon of deadly munitions," said MAG’s Country Programme Manager in Lebanon, Christina Bennike.
"The fact that so many ambassadors and members of the UN, LMAC, Lebanese Government, as well as other dignitaries and friends, supported MAG tonight clearly indicates the need for us to keep working until Lebanon is completely rid of these cruel and undiscriminating weapons.”
Lou, who founded MAG along with his brother 20 years ago, said: “It’s a great privilege to share in this ceremony with the teams who have been working so hard to rebuild lives here in Lebanon for the last three years.
"MAG’s work has helped thousands get back to work, replant their crops and rebuild their homes since 2006. With continued support from our donors, we are determined to help thousands more.”
6 November 09
