Landmine Removal

Summary: Implementation of appropriate landmine-removal systems. (#982575)

Description: A United Nations 1998 report estimates that it would take 1,000 mine-clearing personnel, more than 30 years to discover and disarm the 6 million mines planted in Bosnia and Croatia. Landmines have been called the perfect soldiers. They require no food, no water, no sleep, and they always "get their man." However, the victims of landmines, children and women is increasing. Many productive fields are left uncultivated. Some have bold signs warning of landmines. Unable to till the fields, many farmers migrate to overcrowded cities to seek work. The cities cope with food shortages for the very reason that brings the farmers there -- the agricultural land is filled with mines! A single mine costs around $3 to plant. However, the cost of "harvesting" it before it hurts and maims is often in excess of $300. Beyond that, the cost to innocent lives cannot be counted. Global public outrage is motivating rapid advancements in landmine detection and removal. This Advance project will allow the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the church to immediately access current technologies to detect and remove landmines.