In co-operation with the ICRC the Jordan Red Crescent launched its Mines Awareness programme at the beginning of 2004. The activities of this programme were based on a previous study to ascertain the extent of the problem and current needs carried out by the JRC in 2003.

Background

Jordan signed the Ottawa Treaty in 1997 although de-mining had begun in 1993 by the Royal Corps of Engineers. The Ottawa Treaty obliges each nation:

“Never, under any circumstances to use anti-personnel mines; to develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile, retain or transfer to anyone, directly or indirectly, anti personnel landmines; or to assist, encourage or include, in any way, anyone to engage in any activity prohibited to a State Party under this convention”

This definition illustrates the importance of educating people about the location of the mines, as even if they do not touch them, their presence or proximity to the mine might cause it to explode.

The annually published Landmine Monitor Report and the information gathered from different stakeholders bears out that there are a variety of mines: anti-personnel and anti-vehicle landmines, and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The Landmines were planted in 1948 and in 1967 because of the Arab-Israeli wars and in the 70s due to internal conflict. These mines are still active. These are located along the length of the western border with Israel, and in larger numbers along the north-western borders with Israel and Syria.

Landmines are planted in mainly agriculturally fertile lands, some on the mountains, and in desert areas. Most landmines have been planted and registered on a landmine-map. This makes confining the areas of danger more manageable. However, some mines have been planted on mountains and when it rains, these mines slide irregularly out of place covering large areas and making it impossible to locate all areas of mines.

The numbers of victims differ according to different sources due to lack of a National Registry but around a third of victims are civilians and the other two thirds are military personnel, who were injured during de-mining efforts.

Programme description

Objectives of the JRC Mine awareness programme:

• Reduce the number of landmine victims; by reducing the number of people engaging in risky behaviors and encourage safer practices, thus reducing the number of unnecessary injuries and deaths.
• Creation of safe areas; Awareness would help create safe areas where mines are kept in fenced, clearly marked, and avoidable areas. Identifying mine-free areas would allow people to locate alternative routes to various destinations, alternative pastures, farmlands, and areas of play.
• Make the issue of landmines a national debate; It is important to put this issue into the National spotlight

The areas of focus for implementing the Landmines awareness programme are: Ajloun, Irbid.

The activities of the programme are geared towards those who live in landmine-infested areas, using unique awareness tools specifically created to fit the local needs.

The awareness campaign comprises workshops and round-table meetings to qualify Mine instructors from a selected group of JRC volunteers to carry out the activities of the programme. Production of a tool kit consisting of awareness curriculum, video films, brochures, and other helpful tools to be used by mine instructors together with the publication and distribution of printed and other material depending on the needs of the community.

JRC mine instructors carry out different dissemination activities and support the awareness campaign through events involving communities such as; presentations, seminars, drawing competition, youth camps, Mine/UXO exhibitions, performing sketch plays, etc.