Mine Risk Education in Nepal Dec 2004

Goal of the Program:

To Reduce the Risk

Objectives of the Program:

To Provide training on MRE to the district representatives of NCBL and to make able them to organize MRE Program in districts.
To conduct district level program to draw attention on Risk of mine to the local authorities, human rights organizations, security, media, local people and to make them involve in MRE program.
To organize school to school program to aware students, teachers about the risk of mine and to educate them how to be safe from mines and to encourage them to aware the whole schools and their communities.
Publication MRE Brochure and distribution to educate the people on MRE.

Summary Report on Different Activities on MRE

Training for district level program on Mine Risk Education (MRE)
15 December 2004

According to our objectives the training was held on 15 December. 14 participants were participated in the training from ten districts. The training started from one-minute silence observed in memory of those killed in landmine explosions and of Mr. Khin Bahadur Thapa Magar of Dhading district, the volunteer of NCBL who was killed by Maoist.

The training organized with four session. In the first session introduction of program and welcoming to the participants, paper presented by Purna Shova Chitrakar on The use of landmine in Nepal and the situation of Risk and question and answer on the paper.

In the second to fourth session there were group discussion. “The problems of landmines in various districts and its impact on public life”, “Possible awareness building programmes for reducing mine risks” was discussed in third session and in the fourth session “Programmes that can be carried out at district level immediately” was discussed.

There are various points came out from the discussion. We can list them as below:

1. *The problems of landmines in various districts and its impact on public life:*
It has been found that landmines are laid in blacktopped road, gravel road, allies, buildings, houses, schools, piles of garbage, public places, taps and ponds, government offices and tele-communications offices. Maoist plant mines in road and around their shelter in jungles. Left unattended (by the rebels). Left with irresponsible (both the
state and the rebels), because they are dangerous and heavy to carry. Mostly mines are laid on the path taken by the security forces. It is dangerous because as landmines are planted in the ground no one knows when they explode. Landmines cannot be detected by seeing, listening and smelling as they are indiscriminately planted in the ground. Damage caused by the explosives left by the Maoist cadres where they take shelter Mostly women and children fall victims to mine explosions. Mine explosions kill innocent and non-combatants. Innocent civilians being killed, maimed and displaced. The problem of Disabilities, Obstruction in movement and means of transportation, economic losses, Disruption in education, Impact on environment, Creating terror, Family problems (social, economic and cultural), Damage to users (killed and maimed). Moreover, even if some one knows about a planted mine, it is difficult to inform the concerned body. Difficulty in tracing the mines planted by the Maoists. Even if the common people know about laying mines, they do not inform to the security. Security personnel died in mine explosions laid by the security force itself. 2. *Possible awareness building programmes for reducing mine risks:* To collect the data on mines across the district. To document the mine-related events and publicize them. To advocate both the parties to the conflict, the government and the rebels, not to plant landmines. To create pressure stopping planting landmines by both parties to the conflict through public. To create effective pressures from national and international levels required for stopping the use of mines. Government needs to launch effective awareness building programme through state-run media. To raise public awareness on landmines. To create an environment in which common people can easily inform on the laying of mines. To raise awareness among the villagers and the people of war-prone areas on mines and explosives. To create an environment in which both the parties to conflict cannot deprive people of being informed and informing others/concerned agencies. To take stock of the situation of the district. To formulate and specify the number of program to carryout Mine Risk Education throughout the district. To inform and involve the Chief District Officer, the district police office, political parties, various organizations, intellectuals, women, journalists and human rights activists, headmasters and chiefs of active students unions of high schools on the program. To expand such program by analyzing the impact of the program. To involve the people displaced by the conflict.

3. *Programmes that can be carried out at district level immediately:*
• District Level Landmine Risk Campaign (DLLRC) • Training for facilitators to organize district level program • Data collection of landmine/uxo explosion • District level seminars • School programme
• Child-to-Child Program • Training to different level of people in district level • Training at school level to teachers and students • Elocution • Street drama • Monitoring, observation of landmine incidents • Meeting of victims and take active part for MRE • Mobilize Child group Junior Red Cross, child right awareness group, Kopila, Union • Meetings, Symposium with Head Masters • Landmines issue relating with other Rights issues • Poem competition • Folk song competition • Painting contest • Pressure programme - Press release - Memorandum and objection letters

*Participants' Name List*
Name	Organization	District
Laxman Timilsena Gaura Prasai Hari Ram Lohani Tul Prasad Kandel Natibabu Dhital Hari Jung Shah Jib Raj Mahat Khadga Bahadur Mahat Hom Prasad Pathak Ganesh Dhakal Top Bahadur Thapa Narad Sharma	Awakening Women Society Struggle for Change HDRM-Nepal Madan Ashrit Pratistha Bhawan The Dynamic Rural Rising Group Hamro Awaz/NCBL Hamro Awaz Hamro Awaz HURADEC Rural Community Development Org. Human Rights Awareness Centre Gramin Akikrit Bikas Kendra	Kavre Banke Dhading Ramechhap Sindhupalchok Rukum Rukum Rukum Dolakha Morang Salyan Jajarkot

District level program in ten districts

The growing use of landmines and improvised explosive devices due to escalating violence has badly disrupted the life of the common people. The number of people maimed and killed in explosions has been rising every year. Therefore, it has been imperative to carry out MRE programmes especially in the conflict-hit districts. It is also equally necessary to build up consensus among the local authorities, human rights organizations, security, media and the local people. So, NCBL organized district level program in ten districts. The program were conducted in Rukum, Ramechhap, Morang, Salyan, Dhading, Dolakha, Banke, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok and Jajarkot districts. 522 participants from different sector participated. The programs come up with the following findings: 1. Remarkable participation of government officials and security personnel. 2. Notable participation of representatives from various sectors. 3. Participation of mine victims help making the issue sensitive. 4. The participants in the programme acknowledged the problem of mine in Nepal and expressed commitment to support the activities of Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmine (NCBL). 5. Conducive environment to organising school programmes. 6. Mixed reactions expressed by the Maoists to the programme. 7. In order to take stock of the situation of the district and to make appraisal of the programmes to be launched in the future. 8. To draw the attention of the media and to contribute to dissemination. 9. Drawing the attention of political parties.
1. Remarkable participation of government officials and security personnel:
The notable presence of chief of the army staff, police inspectors, deputy superintendent of police, (gulmapati), (ganapati), chief district officers and district education officers in various district programmes and their views on the problems posed by landmines, the need of MRE and the activities they could do in the future have
created environment conducive to carrying out MRE. The security agencies have said that they could provide information on landmines as required has further made the environment favourable for MRE.
2. Notable participation of representatives from various sectors:
The programme was participated in by representatives from National and International organization including National Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, Red Cross Society, International Committee of the Red Cross, GTZ, Nepal Bar Association, Federation of Nepalese Journalists, NGO Federation,
officials of District Development Committees and Village Development Committees. Their participation in the programme has further made it easier to make the issue public and to help in generating awareness among people on mine risk.
3. Participation of mine victims helps making the issue sensitive: The participation of mine victims in the programme helped in giving information on the serious problem of landmine to representatives of various sectors and aroused a feeling of empathy in people towards the victims. The victims related incidents which filled the eyes of the participants with tears. In some districts even the victims visited some schools and settlements. It made clear to the people that mine is really a dangerous weapon. 4. The participants in the programme acknowledged the problem of mine in Nepal and expressed commitment to support the activities of Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmine (NCBL). The participants in the programme acknowledged the problem of mine in Nepal and expressed commitment to support the activities of Nepal Campaign to Ban Landmine (NCBL), need of MRE especially for the children, need of long-term programmes, upholding human rights and Geneva Convention by the parties to conflict and urged the government to sign the Mine Ban Treaty also known as the Ottawa Convention. Some selected views are presented here. Major Bijaya Dhoj Karki, Ganapati of Narsingh Gan “Such programme had to be carried out by the government sector. But the non-government sector has launched this programme. I admire them. I believe that such programme will help in avoiding the innocent people from mine explosions and reduce the growing use of mine. It has been imperative for the government and the rebels to accede to the Ottawa Convention. Even if we bring the use of landmine under control, it will save the lives of people.” Mr.Dandapani Baral, Chief District Officer “Such programme is contextual as it raises awareness among the people which in turn will help them to protect themselves from the treat of landmine. Is the programme can be launched in all VDCs and high schools, the little aware people would be fully aware of such problem. May NCBL think of it? We are ever ready to extend support on behalf of the district administration.” Mr. Rudra Nath Basyal, Chief District Officer, Chief Guest “Entire people have to be made aware of the impact of landmines. While carrying out programme on landmines in schools issues like who has been massively using landmines? and how it has victimised the people ?should be made clear. Journalists and human rights activists have made big efforts to reduce the use of landmines in the situation of escalating armed conflict. Landmines should be banned.” Mr. Babu Ram Pundit, Advisor to RCI/GTZ “The NCBL has been carrying out programme in this district as per the objective. This programme is also the demand of the hour. And it will be helpful in protecting the lives of the common people from the explosives.” Mr. Dhan Bahadur Adhikari, Immediate Past Chairperson “The organisation (NCBL) needs to impart more intensive training to trainers and the same trainers should not be changed.” Mr. Bhairab Sundar Shrestha, Former DDC Chairperson and CPN-UML Representative “The NCBL has launched a relevant programme of awareness generating in a conflict-hit district like Jajarkot. It would be better should NCBL implemented relief programmes for other victims. The organisation needs to make the trainers skilled and the trainers should not be changed.” Mr. Narendra Prasad Dangal, Campus Chief, Chautara Campus “It has become imperative to organise such programme in every school as the children have suffered most from landmines.” Mr. Jhamka Nepal, Office Secretary, CPN-UML “In the conflicts that take place in other countries the parties to the conflict adhere to the laws of war, but not in Nepal. Let’s take the Maoists as rebels, but the state which is the custodian of the people should at least inform the people on the plantation of mines.” Mr. Tanka Dhungel, District President of People’s Front Nepal “Although the warring parties have dismantled the achievements of the Popular Movement of 1990, they should not at least be ready to stop the use of a lethal weapon like landmine.” Mr. Dil Bahadur Shrestha, Representative of Nepali Congress “Such programme should be organised for the warring parties.” Mr. Rishi Ram Paudel, District President of Federation of Nepalese Journalists “Such programme should be organised for the rebels requesting them to abide by the human rights and laws of war. We are ready to extend our support on behalf of the press.” Ms. Indira Sigdel, Secretary, All Nepal Women’s Association “Women fall victims to landmines while collecting grass and firewood from the jungle or fetching water from the tap. Therefore, the use of landmines must be stopped.” Mr. Som Sapkota, President of NGO Federation “At a time when efforts are being made to reduce the violation of basic human rights of the people, the use of landmines by the parties to the conflict has created a long-term problem. If the parties to the conflict are really working for the interest of the people why are they victimising the people?” Mr. Yagya Prasad Dangal, President, Human Rights Organisation “The use of landmine is increasing faster. It has been very necessary to oppose the use of landmines. To use landmines is to foster war. Therefore, such an action should be ended immediately. The warring parties use landmine to defend themselves from their opponent. But the civilians have fallen victims to it. It is a violation of human rights.” Mr. Krishna Raj Shrestha, Chairperson of the Programme “I request people of all walks of life to be united and raise voice against the use of landmine.” Mr. Bhola Mahat, Regional Chief, INSEC “Non-combatants have been badly affected since the beginning of the violent conflict and risk has become serious. The use of landmine is against the values of human rights and it affects the rights. The Maoists should also abide by the law of war. Now both the parties to the conflict are using landmines. It is most dangerous since it indiscriminate to innocent citizens. This campaign should generate awareness. Pressures should be put on both parties to the conflict in order to avert the scourge of landmines in public places especially the schools. Moreover, this organisation (NCBL) should push this programme ahead.” Mr. Dev Raj Bhar, Secretary, CPN-UML “We have ample examples of innocent people falling victims to landmine explosions. I wish the seminar would come up with measures to protect the civilians from the threat. Since the non-combatants are being victimised by landmines the civil society and the rights organisations should exert pressure on both the parties to the conflict. Efforts should also be made to make common people aware of the danger of landmines.” Mr. Purna Lal Chuke, Chairperson, NGO Federation “This programme is contextual. The start of such a programme is welcome. I wish the seminar would be successful in identifying the problems and suggesting measures to solve them in the present conflict situation.” Mr. Ram Kumar Thapa, Regional Director, National Human Rights Commission, and Chief Guest The issue of landmine use is new, but imperative. The conflict begun in 1996 continues even today. Currently, mine explosions kill a person every minute in the world. Although its use is acceptable during war, it has badly affected non-combatants. Therefore, this programme is important at a time of ongoing conflict. Despite the fact that more than 1,300 organisations have made efforts to ban the use of landmines since 1997, our country has not signed the Mine Ban Treaty also known as the Ottawa Convention. War may be justified for the shake of political change, but wars should be fought remaining within the limits of law of war. Non-compliance to the norms of war has unnecessarily affected the innocent people. Moreover, the rebels are turning schools into bunkers and the security forces are trying to finish the rebels within school buildings and compounds. The state should act responsibly. Use of mines should be opposed from human rights point of view. Pressures should be created to protect the innocent people from the scourge of war. The use of landmines displaces people, turning villages into deserted places. Since it kills people our country should also sign the Mine Ban Treaty, which has been already signed by 141 countries. I wish the programme would be successful in raising public awareness on landmines.” Ms. Gaura Prasai, Former Member of Parliament “This programme aims at preventing the loss of human life from landmines. Either declare the country as a ‘zone of peace’ or a war zone’ as a growing number of women and children are being victimised by landmines. This mine risk education programme is being launched with a view to creating awareness among the people on the danger of mines as a large number of children and common people have fallen victims to mine explosions. I expect cooperation from all quarters for the success of this programme.” 5. Conducive environment to organising school programmes: 6. In order to take stock of the situation of the district and to make appraisal of the programmes to be launched in the future. 7. To draw the attention of the media and to contribute to dissemination:
Journalists from Rajdhani daily, Himalaya Times daily, Kantipur daily, National News Agency (government-run), Chesta weekly, Drishti weekly, Himal fortnightly, Nepal Samacharpatra daily, Nepali Express, Jugal Community TV, Nepal Television (state-run), Chautari Nepal FM, Radio Sagarmatha, Radio Bheri Aawaj, Chautari Nepal and Press Chautari Nepal participated in the programme and disseminated the news.
8. Drawing the attention of political parties: Representatives of Nepali Congress, Nepali Congress (Democratic), Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist and Leninist, United People’s Front Nepal and Nepal Samata Party (royalist) took part in the programme.

Programs at Schools

Mine Risk Education was imparted to 20,902 students of 100 schools of 10 specified districts apart from their teachers.



Schools’ views towards the programme: The programme was timely and relevant. The programme should cover more and more students. At least two programmes in a month should be launched at a school. It would be better if students’ groups are formed to raise awareness on landmines. Class-wise programme would be better. Training teachers would have a good impact on students. Programme should cover the students outside schools. Better sharing the experiences of mine victims by themselves. Continuity to the programme needed as it helps in reducing the rising casualty to some extent. Better launching the programme in the remote areas of the hilly region. Continuity of the programme in all places as it is life saving. Training should be given to village level people to make the programme more effective. It would better if the programme is launched in a more effective way as it inculcates positive thinking in students. Materials with simple drawing accompanied with notes would be better. Once the students understand more on the threat of mines, then the programme can be conducted on a monthly basis. Students should be trained in a complete way. Such programme is serious about the life of children and can help them lead to a better future. Such programmes should be conducted in Maoist-affected areas as far as possible. There is lack of clarity on the issue among the students due to lack of time of the facilitators. Therefore, the facilitators need to give more time.

Publications

As the brochure on Mine Risk Education published earlier proved very effective, 20,000 copies of the same brochure were published for this programme as well. The views of the government agencies, human rights activists, journalists, teachers and students towards the publication are as follows:

Distribution of Publication:

a. More than 100 schools and higher secondary schools in ten districts
b. Human Rights Organizations, Journalist and local people in ten districts
c. Headquarter of Royal Nepalese Army, Armed Force Police, Police and district level offices in 75 districts
d. District Office of Education in 75 district
e. Major political parties of Central level office and 75 district level office
f. International organizations in Nepal
g. National NGOs in Nepal
h. Embassies
i. Distributed in conferences, meetings, symposiums etc.

More Demand from Different Sectors:

1. Headquarter of Police, Kathmandu - 600 copy
2. District Police, Sindhuli - 100 copy
3. District Administrative office, Panchthar - 100 copy
4. District Police Office - 500 copy
5. South Asian Partnership Nepal
6. National Democratic party, Sarlahi - 175 copy
7. Nepal Communist Party (UML), Rukum
8. District Administrative Office, Sankhuwasava - 400 copy
9. District Barrack of Army, Rolpa - 500 copy
10. United Mission to Nepal - 50 Copy
11. District Police Office, Gorakha
12. Headquarter of Royal Nepalese Army - 3000 copy
13. Jabar Jung Battalion, Jhapa
14. World Education - 110 copy

Monitoring and Evaluation visit

Simon Woodwin Conway, Deputy Director, Mine Action UK. visited Nepal on 27 March to 3 April 2005 for monitoring and evaluation of Mine Risk Education in Nepal.

28-30 March :	Visit Banke district (Western part of Nepal)
28 March :	a. Meeting with Teachers
29 March :	a. Visiting schools b. Meeting with victims c. Sight seeing
30 March :	a. Visiting Hospital, interviews with victims b. Meeting with director of the Hospital
31 March:	a. Visiting Dhading District and meeting with Local Authorities and security
1 April :	Meeting with Major General Kiran Shamsher Thapa in Army Headquarter

Sharing Program on Mine Risk Education (MRE)
1st April 2005

Sharing program of MRE program in ten District inaugurated by Mr. Simon Conway as the chief guest. On the occasion of this program Mr. Conway said, "This program is very successful, good and NCBL should do more."
In that occasion teachers, journalists, students, NCBL members and volunteers, members of youth for peace participant. The program was chaired by Kamala shrestha, General secretary of NCBL.

Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal (NCBL)
http://www.nepal.icbl.org