“We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.” — Nelson Mandela
“The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand at times of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy”. Martin Luther King, Jr.
WVCBL/PSALM are deeply concerned about the the U.S. government 90-day stop-work order for most foreign assistance programs, including the suspension of U.S.-funded mine clearance programs.
“Having visited countries that live with the devastation caused by landmines, cluster munitions and UXOs, I cannot be more emphatic about the need for these programs in ensuring the safety of children, as well as others, around the world”, Nora Sheets, WVCBL coordinator.
“We want people to understand the indiscriminate nature of these weapons. Children are especially vulnerable due to their size and curiosity. We are outraged that children are all too often the victims of these weapons coming upon them in the most innocent of activities like playing or going to school. We cannot stand by and not make known what these children and others face, day in and day out.” said PSALM representative, Sophia.
Mine clearance is imperative where children are the most vulnerable. We strongly urge the US to reconsider this decision as minutes, hours and days imperile children around the world.
School near areas littered with cluster munitions, Laos.