Shirin Ebadi launches Iranian
landmine campaign, urges Iran to join the Treaty
Liz Bernstein,
Nairobi, Kenya, Wednesday 01 December 2004
Shirin Ebadi, 2003 Nobel Peace Laureate, launched her
“Mine Clearing Collaboration Campaign” at the Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free
World held in Nairobi, Kenya 29 November ? 3 December. At the Summit, Ms. Ebadi
briefed government, non-government and international organization delegates, as
well as the media, about the landmine problem in her country. Mines were laid
by both Iran and Iraq during their 8-year war, from 1980 ? 1988.
“Today, 15 years after the end of the war, the land is
still contaminated and people are becoming victims of landmines. Iran is a rich
country, but it lacks political will to clear the landmines. The government is
not interested,” said Ms. Ebadi. She noted that she became aware of this issue
when she received a letter from a child survivor from the contaminated area
four years ago and began to look into the issue and speak about it. She indicated
that their had been no publicity and awareness-raising in her country.
“I can speak about it as I am a Nobel Peace laureate, and
have protection that comes with this honor. But we expect our government to
fulfill their responsibility and promises to the people. They should have
cleared the mined areas, they could have cleared the mined areas, long ago ? a
country as rich as Iran should not contain even one hectare of mined land 15
years after the end of the war. We call on the Iranian government to join the
Treaty banning landmines, to clear the mined areas in our country and help the
victims.”
She added that while their movement was just beginning,
they hoped others would join and support them. Shohab Hakimi, Director of the
Afghan Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Mine Dog Center, one of the largest
non-governmental mine clearance organizations in Afghanistan, offered to share
experiences of more than 10 years of mine clearance in Afghanistan and invited
Ms. Ebadi and members of her organization to visit Afghanistan. Handicap
International described their program for rehabilitation and disabled in Bam,
Iran and sought assistance in working with the Iranian government and
facilitating their ability to share expertise in Iran. Ms. Ebadi cautioned
international NGOs working in Iran, with the Iranian government, to insist on
the inclusion of Iranion NGOs in their programs. Ms. Ebadi also encouraged the
United Nations agencies to urge the Iranian government to join the treaty. She
also encouraged government delegates at the Summit to ask their governments to
urge Iran to join the Treaty. “Many governments meet with my government, trade
with my government, and they tell us they never raise the issue of landmines.
Tell them it matters. We need and appreciate outside pressure.”
Sub-articles
・ Manifesto of the Mine Clearing
Collaboration Campaign (M.C.C.C)
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