Figures show there are more than 110 million mines distributed throughout the planet; it would take around 1,100 years to clear all of them. Every 22 minutes somebody is killed or maimed by a device. Civilians account for 70-85% of these casualties.

However, mines harm not only people and animals, but also infrastructure. For example, a highway that cannot be used due to mines can be detrimental to the development of a country.

The treatment of mine victims also drains resources from healthcare systems that are often overstretched already. Even worse is when large tracts of farmland lie unused due to a real danger or simply fear and uncertainty. When a region's infrastructure has broken down, or if schools, healthcare centres and other facilities cannot be rebuilt, the local population, who have fled from conflict, simply cannot go home. As a result they often end up living miserably in camps or slum areas in and around large cities. Established social structures deteriorate and the rural areas de-populate.

For those who do return, everyday life is overshadowed by constant danger. Not being able to cultivate the land or fetch water and other necessities can result in famine and malnutrition. However, this is nothing compared to life as disabled: 12 year old Faduma was playing with a friend close to their village in Somaliland when they found a mine. They did not know what it was, so Faduma kicked it. She was in hospital for 2 years and today she has to manage with artificial limbs.

One mine is enough
Whether there is one or a thousand mines in a minefield is of little importance – the fear of injury and death is equally inhibiting for use of the land.

We know that fear of mines and the existence of an unknown quantity of devices in the surrounding fields, in a school-yard or in close proximity to the only water supply can paralyse a village. That is why we work at a local level to eradicate this fear in communities. Clearing 10 mines along the path to a water supply can be enough to get a village functioning normally. Enough to encourage villagers to return home and go about their daily lives in safety without being afraid that their children or friends might suddenly be crippled or killed.

It often takes time, and no small amount of danger, to locate and deactivate mines, but it can be done. And it matters. Sometimes we find out there are no mines present at all – but the paralysis of fear is removed which allows for renewed use of the land.