Landmine Survivors in Greece

Most people are not aware that there are minefields on this EU border with Turkey. These minefields were mostly laid in the 1970s and contain, along with anti-vehicle mines, deadly anti-personnel mines. Tens of people have been killed on these minefields and many disabled for life. Greece has signed and ratified the Ottawa Convention to Ban Anti-personnel landmines, and is busy removing these deadly weapons from the minefields in accordance with the Treaty. It must be remembered that many deminers have also been killed. Greece has stockpiled mines which it is also planning to destroy, again in compliance with the Treaty. But what of the survivors of these minefield accidents? They are mostly designated as "illegal immigrants" and, as so often happens in Europe, have fallen through the welfare net. While immediately after the accident they are given excellent 'primary care' in Greek hospitals, after that, they are dependent on the endless generosity of ordinary Greek citizens, and their compatriots, in order just to survive on a daily basis. Their needs are many: Continuing medical care; prosthetic limbs; psychological support; vocational training; some form of legal status. Most of them are asylum-seekers in a bureaucratic limbo with 6-month permits to stay - which causes them a lot of stress. Many of them have been given deportation orders even before they leave hospital. How can we help?

A landmine victim being removed from a minefield in northern Greece

Main links

International Campaign to Ban Landmines

Landmine Survivors Network

Indymedia (in Greek)

Indymedia2 (in Greek)

Landmine Survivors Campaigner in Greece

Name:

Louisa O'Brien

Email:

queststudies@yahoo.co.uk