14.11.11
The European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) has provided vital funds for clearance of unexploded ordnances, mines and grenades in battleground areas of war-torn Libya. As implementing partner the Danish Demining Group (DDG) is now fully staffed and ready to deploy teams and begin operations in the city of Sirte.
More than six months of fighting is replaced by a gradual transition to normality but explosive remnants of war are keeping the war in close memory of a population at risk. Through ECHO the EU has provided €500.000 for humanitarian mine action in Libya.
“Libya is gradually moving through a process of normalisation but the fighting has left unexploded ammunition claiming its victims among civilians. ECHO is stepping up to the task at a critical time and we are proud to be part of an important effort of protecting the Libyan population,“ says Head of Desk Christian Jacob Hansen.
Three DDG teams consisting of demining experts, medical staff, and logistical staff will be deployed in Sirte on the south coast of the Gulf of Sidra – a city devastated by months of intensive fighting.
“Major parts of the city has been destroyed during the fighting and the clearing of unexploded ammunition and mines is a precondition for reconstruction and return of civilians. DDG mine action activities will be focusing on hospitals, medical centres, and main infrastructure to ensure the most urgent needs in the community but also allow people to return to their homes and children to school safely,” says Christian Jacob Hansen.
The Danish Refugee Council is a partner of ECHO around the globe. The Danish Refugee Council's demining unit, the Danish Demining Group (DDG), works in a number of the world's most unstable areas such as Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq.
“The DDG is working in zones of conflict around the globe and funding and resources are vital – it is literally a question of life and death. ECHO is one of the worlds leading agencies of humanitarian funding and with their engagement Libya is one step closer to normalisation,” Says Christian Jacob Hansen.
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