Statistics about humanitarian crises are often overwhelming and paralyzing. The statistics conveying the extent of the global landmine crisis—one of the most pervasive problems facing the world today—are staggering. Estimates indicate landmines maim or kill approximately 26,000 civilians every year, including 8,000 to 10,000 children.
Despite a 41% decrease from the year before, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Cambodia injured 1,012 people in 1999. Of these, 229 died, 311 needed limb amputations, 71 were blinded, and 34 were made deaf. In Vietnam, the U.S. State Department estimates that 180 casualties still occur each month, more than 25 years after the war ended.
While these are among the worst mine contaminated countries, civilians – men, women, and children - in nearly 60 countries around the world face the threat of these hidden killers everyday.
Ordinary people around the world, however, are not allowing these statistics to frighten them into inaction. Citizens are working on all levels to make a real difference towards resolving the global landmine crisis through the Adopt-A-Minefield® Campaign (AAM®).
Ordinary people around the world, however, are not allowing these statistics to frighten them into inaction. Citizens are working on all levels to make a real difference towards resolving the global landmine crisis through the Adopt-A-Minefield® Campaign (AAM®).