- Initial indications show evidence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination in Gaza
- MAG to help basic services such as schools and hospital to function
- Emergency Mine Risk Education materials distributed to ensure people working in Gaza understand the risks posed by UXO and what to do if UXO is found
MAG currently has two technical unexploded ordnance (UXO) specialists in Gaza working with the UN and other agencies to establish the extent of UXO contamination.
Our team has visited health centres and schools, as well as other essential infrastructure, to determine the extent of contamination and priorities for clearance.
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MAG Technical Director Mark Buswell briefs UN drivers on routes to be assessed and general safety. Erez crossing, 23rd January. More photos below ↓ |
The objective of MAG's clearance efforts is to contribute to the post-conflict reconstruction efforts by ensuring as safe an environment as possible for the local population and development agencies in Gaza.
MAG is active in ensuring local structures such as schools receive priority in initial assessments and clearance.
MAG has also distributed emergency Mine Risk Education materials (which covers UXO) to all British development member agencies of the DEC. The dissemination of this information is followed by briefings at UN coordination meetings as well as individual agency briefings, to ensure people working in Gaza understand the risks posed by UXO and what to do if UXO is found.
As the situation in Gaza develops, and assuming more people will return home, the need for information of this nature will increase, as initial indications show evidence of UXO contamination.
MAG will continue to work in Gaza, with funding from the British Government and United Nations, until the threat of UXO accidents is brought to a minimum, and will continue to work with both local and international agencies to ensure they remain fully appraised of the risks and how to avoid accidents.
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More than 90 per cent of MAG's income is spent directly on our clearance programmes worldwide.
Links:
- What is Mine Risk Education?
- DEC website [external link]
- DFID (UK Government Department for International Development) website [external site]
- Click on Tags at the bottom of the page for related articles
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| Photos: MAG/Mark Buswell |
26 January 09
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