/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/testkorpus/23/file13.html NN ----------------------------------------- : Special JJ Report NP Living VVG in IN a DT Minefield NN . SENT The DT Landmine NN Problem NN in IN Afghanistan NP May NP 1997 CD Contents NNS Introduction NN MSF's NP Position NN on IN Mines NP The DT Victims NNS of IN Mines NP in IN Afghanistan NP Where WRB are NN the DT Mines NPS in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT Medical NP Care NP for IN Mine NP Victims NNS The DT Thirst NN for IN Knowledge NN Finding VVG the DT Mines NPS Living VVG with IN Mines NP Stopping VVG Future JJ Use NN Conclusion NN Introduction NN This DT report NN is VBZ designed VVN to TO give VV an DT accessible JJ update NN on IN the DT mines NNS situation NN in IN Afghanistan NP in IN 1997 CD to TO diplomats NNS and CC politicians NNS meeting NN in IN Brussels NP , , followed VVN by IN Oslo NP and CC Ottawa NP to TO prepare VV a DT treaty NN banning VVG anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS . SENT To TO the DT many JJ negotiators NNS who WP have VHP never RB visited VVN a DT mined VVN country NN , , the DT report NN tries VVZ to TO give VV a DT flavor NN of IN the DT continuing VVG effect NN of IN millions NNS of IN mines NNS on IN people's NP lives NNS , , and CC to TO examine VV the DT response NN made VVN by IN Afghans NNS in IN 1997 CD . SENT MSF NP wishes VVZ to TO add VV its PP$ voice NN , , in IN the DT strongest JJS way NN possible JJ , , to TO the DT international JJ movement NN aimed VVN at IN banning VVG landmines NNS . SENT MSF NP believes VVZ this DT report NN underlines VVZ the DT urgent JJ need NN in IN Ottawa NP for IN an DT international JJ ban NN on IN landmines NNS . SENT the DT ban NN must MD work VV on IN the DT ground NN , , and CC be VB without IN loopholes NNS . SENT The DT report NN was VBD compiled VVN by IN MSF's NP landmine NN officer NN Ian NP Woodmansey NP , , during IN time NN spent VVN in IN Afghanistan NP in IN the DT months NNS of IN March NP and CC April NP 1997 CD , , and CC is VBZ based VVN on IN numerous JJ interviews NNS with IN managers NNS of IN the DT Afghan JJ Mine NP Action NP Program NP , , Afghan JJ deminers NNS , , mines NNS awareness NN teachers NNS , , doctors NNS , , nurses NNS , , and CC personnel NNS from IN other JJ medical JJ NGOs NNS . SENT Their PP$ contribution NN is VBZ warmly RB acknowledged VVN . SENT Afghanistan NP remains VVZ a DT perfect JJ example NN of IN the DT devastation NN wreaked VVD by IN landmines NNS . SENT Despite IN an DT effective JJ demining NN program NN , , and CC a DT well RB developed VVN mines NNS awareness NN program NN , , the DT mines NNS continue VVP to TO claim VV civilian JJ victims NNS every DT day NN . SENT Over IN US NP 100 CD million CD has VHZ been VBN contributed VVN to TO the DT program NN , , enough RB to TO clear VV one CD fifth NN of IN the DT known VVN mined VVN area NN in IN the DT country NN . SENT The DT mines NNS situation NN in IN Afghanistan NP is VBZ unacceptable JJ . SENT in IN Ottawa NP the DT international JJ community NN has VHZ an DT opportunity NN to TO ensure VV it PP does VVZ not RB happen VV elsewhere RB . SENT Moves NNS to TO Ban NP Landmines NNS in IN Ottawa NP Since IN the DT inception NN of IN the DT International NP Campaign NP to TO Ban NP Landmines NNS in IN late JJ 1991 CD , , NGOs NNS have VHP been VBN engaged VVN in IN a DT campaign NN aimed VVN at IN educating VVG governments NNS about IN the DT effects NNS of IN landmines NNS on IN civilians NNS . SENT In IN recent JJ years NNS , , in IN response NN to TO the DT Campaign NP , , numerous JJ governments NNS have VHP expressed VVN concern NN about IN the DT indiscriminate JJ effects NNS of IN anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS . SENT Many JJ states NNS have VHP ended VVN the DT export NN of IN anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS . SENT However RB , , few JJ countries NNS have VHP been VBN prepared VVN to TO renounce VV their PP$ own JJ use NN of IN these DT weapons NNS . SENT Governments NNS are VBP now RB starting VVG to TO take VV the DT problem NN of IN landmines NNS more RBR seriously RB . SENT After IN the DT disappointing JJ conclusion NN in IN 1996 CD of IN UN NP talks NNS aimed VVN at IN restricting VVG the DT use NN of IN anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS , , the DT Canadian NP Government NP announced VVD a DT fresh JJ attempt NN to TO ban VV the DT production NN , , possession NN , , transfer NN , , and CC use NN of IN anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS . SENT With IN a DT group NN of IN supportive JJ countries NNS , , the DT Canadian JJ approach NN will MD draw VV up RP a DT new JJ international JJ treaty NN banning VVG anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS . SENT States NNS will MD meet VV in IN Ottawa NP , , Canada NP , , in IN December NP 1997 CD to TO sign VV the DT new JJ treaty NN . SENT Back RB to TO top JJ MSF's NP Position NN on IN Mines NP As IN a DT medical JJ and CC humanitarian JJ organization NN , , MSF NP cannot NN ignore VVP the DT problem NN of IN mines NNS in IN Afghanistan NP and CC elsewhere RB . SENT Working VVG closely RB with IN Afghans NNS in IN hospitals NNS and CC health NN clinics NNS throughout IN the DT country NN , , MSF NP staff NN see VVP the DT daily JJ impact NN of IN mines NNS in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT MSF NN clinics NNS regularly RB provide VVP the DT first JJ line NN of IN emergency NN treatment NN to TO mines NNS victims NNS before IN referral NN to TO surgical JJ hospitals NNS . SENT To TO prevent VV future JJ deaths NNS and CC injuries NNS from IN these DT weapons NNS MSF NP supports VVZ an DT international JJ ban NN on IN the DT production NN , , possession NN , , transfer NN , , and CC use NN of IN mines NNS , , combined VVN with IN increased JJ funds NNS to TO tackle VV the DT current JJ needs NNS of IN demining NN , , mines NNS education NN , , and CC medical JJ response NN . SENT A DT ban NN will MD prevent VV the DT mine JJ horrors NNS of IN Afghanistan NP happening VVG elsewhere RB in IN future NN . SENT MSF NP wishes VVZ to TO see VV a DT comprehensive JJ ban NN on IN mines NNS written VVN into IN international JJ law NN at IN the DT governmental JJ conference NN in IN Ottawa NP in IN December NP 1997 CD . SENT States NNS which WDT claim VVP to TO prioritize VV humanitarian JJ concerns NNS must MD sign VV up RP to TO such PDT a DT ban NN . SENT MSF NN staff NN intend VVP be VB present JJ at IN the DT conferences NNS in IN Brussels NP , , Oslo NP , , and CC Ottawa NP to TO share VV field NN experience NN of IN the DT impact NN of IN landmines NNS with IN government NN negotiators NNS , , to TO present VV the DT results NNS of IN data NNS gathering VVG in IN the DT field NN , , and CC to TO demand VV a DT ban NN on IN mines NNS for IN humanitarian JJ reasons NNS . SENT MSF NP supports VVZ the DT calls NNS of IN the DT International NP Campaign NP to TO Ban NP Landmines NNS . SENT A DT comprehensive JJ ban NN on IN the DT production NN , , possession NN , , transfer NN and CC use NN of IN anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS Increased VVD funding NN for IN mine JJ clearance NN work NN in IN Afghanistan NP and CC other JJ mine JJ affected JJ countries NNS Increased VVD funding NN for IN rehabilitation NN projects NNS for IN the DT victims NNS of IN mines NNS Back RB to TO top VV The DT Victims NNS of IN Mines NP in IN Afghanistan NP Mines NP kill VV and CC injure VV Afghans NNS throughout IN the DT country NN . SENT Scattered VVN or CC buried VVN beside IN roads NNS , , on IN mountainsides NNS , , in IN pasture NN land NN , , on IN the DT banks NNS of IN rivers NNS and CC irrigation NN systems NNS , , inside JJ houses NNS , , and CC elsewhere RB , , mines NNS still RB claim VVP victims NNS daily JJ . SENT In IN particular JJ , , there EX are VBP many JJ minefields NNS in IN and CC around IN villages NNS , , towns NNS , , and CC cities NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , in IN 1995 CD , , the DT mines NNS accident NN rate NN in IN and CC around IN Kabul NP city NN was VBD horrific JJ . SENT The DT UN NP Demining NP Office NP in IN Kabul NP estimates VVZ that IN in IN 1995 CD there RB were VBD 50 CD mine NN and CC UXO NP accidents NNS every DT week NN . SENT people NNS returning VVG to TO their PP$ homes NNS , , inspecting VVG war NN damage NN , , out RB in IN the DT fields NNS , , playing VVG , , and CC walking VVG around IN mined VVN areas NNS of IN the DT city NN unaware JJ of IN the DT danger NN . SENT Bald JJ statistics NNS are VBP valuable JJ to TO those DT who WP know VVP Afghanistan NP . SENT They PP conjure VV images NNS of IN a DT young JJ boy NN lying VVG in IN a DT hospital NN bed NN with IN a DT gap NN where WRB his PP$ leg NN should MD be VB , , who WP one CD day NN before RB was VBD sitting VVG out RP on IN the DT mountainside NN eating VVG a DT picnic NN , , watching VVG the DT sheep NN . SENT Or CC a DT young JJ mechanic NN who WP , , out RB of IN curiosity NN , , bent JJ down RB to TO pick VV up RP what WP he PP thought VVD was VBD a DT pen NN , , and CC will MD now RB never RB hold VV a DT spanner NN in IN his PP$ right JJ hand NN again RB . SENT Or CC an DT old JJ man NN with IN bandages NNS round VVP his PP$ head NN and CC no DT eyes NNS , , who WP was VBD out RB digging VVG clay NN to TO repair VV the DT roof NN of IN his PP$ house NN to TO protect VV from IN the DT coming JJ rain NN . SENT But CC statistics NNS cannot NN in IN themselves PP give VVP much JJ idea NN of IN the DT fearful JJ lives NNS that IN people NNS must MD lead VV in IN order NN to TO survive VV in IN mine NN infested VVN Afghanistan NP . SENT Statistics NNS are VBP feeble JJ things NNS . SENT 50 CD accidents NNS every DT week NN is VBZ the DT kind NN of IN thing NN your PP$ eye NN glides NNS over IN registering VVG little JJ . SENT And CC yet CC what WP a DT wealth NN of IN misery NN it PP can MD cover VV . SENT The DT shock NN of IN the DT explosion NN which WDT means VVZ you PP feel VVP nothing NN for IN a DT few JJ minutes NNS . SENT then RB the DT pain NN flooding NN over IN your PP$ body NN . SENT the DT wait NN for IN help NN , , lying VVG in IN the DT minefield NN losing VVG blood NN . SENT the DT sight NN of IN your PP$ shattered JJ and CC jagged JJ bones NNS sticking VVG out RP from IN the DT end NN of IN your PP$ leg NN . SENT the DT horror NN and CC fear NN of IN your PP$ companion NN or CC helper NN . SENT the DT wondering VVG if IN you PP will MD live VV or CC die VV . SENT the DT journey NN to TO hospital NN on IN a DT horse NN and CC cart NN , , or CC a DT car NN , , or CC somebody's NNS shoulders NNS . SENT the DT arrival NN at IN hospital NN where WRB there EX may MD be VB no DT surgeon NN to TO treat VV the DT injury NN . SENT the DT scrabble NN for IN money NN to TO try VV to TO raise VV the DT sum NN necessary JJ for IN an DT operation NN . SENT the DT difficult JJ task NN of IN cleaning VVG the DT wounds NNS of IN dirt NN , , shrapnel NN , , and CC bone NN . SENT the DT likely JJ amputation NN . SENT the DT phantom JJ pains NNS following VVG the DT amputation NN . SENT lack NN of IN physiotherapy NN . SENT the DT possibility NN of IN infection NN of IN the DT wounds NNS and CC the DT bone NN . SENT the DT good JJ chance NN that IN the DT amputation NN is VBZ not RB done VVN properly RB , , leaving VVG sharp JJ pieces NNS of IN bone NN pushing VVG into IN the DT stump NN . SENT the DT second JJ operation NN required VVN to TO recut VV the DT bone NN in IN order NN to TO make VV it PP suitable JJ for IN a DT prosthesis NN . SENT the DT lack NN of IN mobility NN of IN a DT wheelchair NN or CC prosthesis NN . SENT the DT impossibility NN of IN a DT disabled JJ person NN finding VVG a DT job NN . SENT the DT shame NN of IN being VBG a DT burden NN to TO family NN and CC community NN . SENT the DT reduced JJ likelihood NN of IN marriage NN , , and CC children NNS . SENT MSF's NP Experience NN In IN order NN to TO gather VV data NNS on IN mines NNS injuries NNS in IN Kabul NP , , MSF NP systematically RB registered VVD all DT mines NNS victims NNS at IN clinics NNS and CC referral NN hospitals NNS under IN MSF NP supervision NN in IN and CC around IN the DT city NN between IN mid JJ March NP 1995 CD to TO the DT end NN of IN 1996 CD . SENT During IN this DT time NN , , MSF NP registered VVD 108 CD mines NNS victims NNS . SENT One CD in IN three CD of IN these DT victims NNS registered VVN were VBD children NNS under IN 15 CD . SENT Only RB 4 CD per IN cent NN were VBD soldiers NNS . SENT The DT rest NN were VBD civilians NNS , , mainly RB men NNS . SENT Most JJS accidents NNS happened VVD in IN fields NNS , , on IN paths NNS , , or CC on IN the DT mountainsides NNS outside IN Kabul NP . SENT There EX are VBP 108 CD forms NNS registering VVG accidents NNS known VVN directly RB by IN MSF NP in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT Here RB is VBZ a DT form NN recording VVG the DT injury NN of IN Rouf NP , , a DT 12 CD year NN old JJ boy NN who WP received VVD face NN , , chest NN , , and CC leg NN injuries NNS while IN repairing VVG the DT road NN a DT common JJ activity NN in IN Afghanistan NP where WRB the DT poor JJ shovel NN earth NN from IN the DT verges NNS of IN the DT road NN to TO fill VV in IN the DT potholes NNS , , hoping VVG for IN a DT few JJ thousand CD Afghani JJ 10 CD US NP cents NNS from IN passing VVG drivers NNS . SENT Here RB is VBZ the DT form NN recording VVG Amanullah's NP injury NN . SENT He PP was VBD cutting VVG wood NN from IN a DT bush NN for IN cooking NN . SENT He PP didn't VVD know VV there EX were VBD mines NNS in IN the DT area NN , , he PP hadn't VVD received VVD any DT mines NNS awareness NN training NN . SENT Amanullah NP has VHZ seven CD dependents NNS , , is VBZ 70 CD years NNS old JJ , , and CC has VHZ now RB had VHN his PP$ foot NN amputated VVD , , as RB well RB as IN injuries NNS to TO both DT legs NNS and CC groin NN . SENT And CC here RB is VBZ Bashir NP , , who WP was VBD having VHG a DT look NN at IN the DT state NN of IN his PP$ family NN house NN which WDT had VHD been VBN badly RB damaged VVN by IN fighting VVG in IN Kabul NP . SENT After IN sustaining VVG severe JJ injuries NNS to TO the DT back NN of IN both DT legs NNS he PP was VBD brought VVN to TO hospital NN in IN a DT taxi NN . SENT Bashir NP died VVD , , leaving VVG 5 CD dependents NNS . SENT Here RB is VBZ Noorzai NP , , a DT 16 CD year NN old JJ boy NN . SENT He PP was VBD collecting VVG scrap NN metal NN at IN the DT side NN of IN the DT road NN in IN his PP$ village NN , , and CC he PP suffered VVD injuries NNS to TO both DT legs NNS . SENT Scrap NN metal NN is VBZ valuable JJ in IN the DT market NN , , where WRB it PP can MD be VB sold VVN for IN melting VVG down RP . SENT And CC here RB is VBZ Pari NP 35 CD . SENT she PP was VBD entering VVG into IN her PP$ house NN . SENT And CC Ahmed NP Zia NP 14 NP who WP was VBD playing VVG with IN other JJ children NNS . SENT And CC Noor NP Agha NN 20 CD who WP was VBD going VVG to TO the DT market NN to TO buy VV some DT things NNS for IN his PP$ house NN . SENT And CC here RB is VBZ Raqibullah NP 15 CD who WP was VBD washing VVG a DT car NN when WRB the DT mine NN blast NN tore VVD in IN to TO his PP$ face NN , , body NN , , legs NNS , , and CC arms NNS . SENT And CC Said NP Yaqub NP 12 NP who WP found VVD a DT mine NN and CC was VBD playing VVG with IN it PP , , without IN realising VVG what WP it PP was VBD . SENT he PP knew VVD there EX were VBD mines NNS in IN the DT area NN , , but CC had VHD not RB been VBN through IN a DT mines NNS awareness NN lesson NN . SENT This DT form NN shows VVZ that IN Naadia NP 18 CD , , was VBD cutting VVG grass NN at IN the DT foot NN of IN one CD of IN the DT mountains NNS surrounding VVG Kabul NP when WRB she PP was VBD rushed VVN to TO hospital NN in IN a DT taxi NN with IN severe JJ damage NN to TO her PP$ left JJ foot NN and CC knee NN . SENT And CC Shafiqullah NP 7 CD was VBD picking VVG up RP the DT sticks NNS when WRB he PP trod VVD on IN a DT mine NN , , and CC was VBD brought VVN to TO hospital NN on IN someone's JJ shoulders NNS with IN injuries NNS to TO his PP$ chest NN and CC both DT legs NNS . SENT The DT findings NNS from IN MSF's NP survey NN demonstrate VVP the DT indiscriminate JJ nature NN of IN landmines NNS , , and CC their PP$ human JJ cost NN . SENT In IN Afghanistan NP , , anyone NN who WP must MD work VV in IN the DT fields NNS or CC hills NNS is VBZ at IN risk NN . SENT Back RB to TO top NN Where WRB are VBP the DT Mines NPS in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT Despite IN international JJ contributions NNS of IN US NP 101 CD million CD since IN the DT Afghan JJ Mine NP Action NP Program NP began VVD in IN 1988 CD , , and CC 32 CD deminers NNS who WP have VHP lost VVN their PP$ lives NNS , , there EX are VBP still RB millions NNS of IN unexploded JJ devices NNS in IN Afghanistan NP waiting VVG to TO claim VV victims NNS . SENT While IN many JJ of IN the DT minefields NNS targeted VVN for IN urgent JJ clearance NN usually RB important JJ agricultural JJ and CC grazing NN land NN , , and CC around IN urban JJ centers NNS have VHP been VBN marked VVN and CC mapped VVN by IN Afghan JJ mine NN surveyors NNS , , lower JJR priority NN areas NNS remain VVP unmarked JJ . SENT Minefields NNS have VHP been VBN laid VVN by IN both DT Soviet JJ and CC Afghan JJ forces NNS , , and CC mines NNS have VHP been VBN used VVN in IN all DT phases NNS of IN the DT Afghan JJ conflict NN . SENT in IN vast JJ quantities NNS during IN the DT Soviet JJ occupation NN , , during IN the DT power NN struggle NN between IN mujaheddin NN commanders NNS after IN the DT Soviet JJ withdrawal NN , , and CC now RB during IN fighting VVG between IN Taliban NP forces NNS and CC other JJ Afghan JJ commanders NNS . SENT A DT 1993 CD mines NNS survey NN gave VVD the DT best RBS nationwide JJ picture NN of IN the DT mine JJ situation NN in IN Afghanistan NP to TO date NN , , showing VVG that IN all DT provinces NNS bar NN one NN in IN Afghanistan NP have VHP been VBN contaminated VVN by IN mines NNS . SENT Since IN 1993 CD , , the DT known VVN mines NNS situation NN in IN Afghanistan NP has VHZ changed VVN dramatically RB . SENT New JJ minefields NNS have VHP been VBN laid VVN , , mainly RB on IN the DT front JJ lines NNS , , during IN the DT fighting NN of IN the DT last JJ four CD years NNS . SENT And CC minefields NNS not RB recorded VVN in IN the DT national JJ survey NN of IN 1993 CD due JJ to TO impossibility NN of IN access NN to TO certain JJ regions NNS , , or CC lack NN of IN reliable JJ information NN , , have VHP since RB been VBN discovered VVN . SENT Regional JJ Use NN Minefields NNS are VBP found VVN throughout IN all DT regions NNS in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT In IN the DT north NN the DT problem NN appears VVZ to TO be VB patchier JJR , , and CC is VBZ less RBR well RB documented VVN , , although IN there EX are VBP definitely RB extensive JJ minefields NNS in IN areas NNS such JJ as IN the DT Salang NP Pass NP . SENT near IN certain JJ cities NNS such JJ as IN Kunduz NP . SENT and CC around IN numerous JJ military JJ installments NNS such JJ as IN around IN the DT Sugar NP Factory NN in IN Baghlan NP City NP . SENT The DT worst JJS areas NNS for IN mines NNS are VBP the DT Provinces NP in IN the DT south JJ and CC east JJ bordering VVG Pakistan NP , , and CC in IN the DT west NN bordering VVG Iran NP . SENT Mines NNS were VBD used VVN here RB in IN an DT attempt NN to TO hamper VV mujaheddin NN movements NNS near IN these DT borders NNS , , and CC for IN the DT protection NN of IN strategic JJ positions NNS and CC towns NNS . SENT Strategic JJ and CC Tactical JJ Use NP Mines NPS have VHP been VBN used VVN extensively RB around RB many JJ of IN the DT major JJ cities NNS in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT The DT regional JJ capitals NNS of IN Kandahar NP south NN , , Jalalabad NP east JJ , , and CC Herat NN west NN were VBD all RB extremely RB heavily RB mined VVN , , with IN bands NNS of IN defensive JJ minefields NNS around IN the DT cities NNS . SENT Extensive JJ mining NN also RB took VVD place NN inside IN the DT cities NNS of IN Kandahar NP and CC Herat NN . SENT For IN example NN , , in IN Herat NN , , the DT huge JJ barrier NN minefields NNS laid VVN by IN the DT Soviets NNS which WDT ran VVD through IN the DT western JJ part NN of IN the DT city NN were VBD laid VVN to TO defend VV against IN mujaheddin NN insurgencies NNS from IN close NN to TO the DT Iranian JJ border NN . SENT The DT verges NNS of IN important JJ roads NNS in IN and CC out IN of IN the DT cities NNS were VBD mined VVN , , and CC mines NNS were VBD used VVN to TO protect VV strategic JJ supply NN routes NNS , , such JJ as IN the DT road NN from IN Pakistan NP to TO Kabul NP , , and CC other JJ major JJ arterial JJ roads NNS . SENT The DT lines NNS of IN red JJ warning NN rocks NNS demarcating VVG minefields NNS , , which WDT run VVP along IN the DT sides NNS of IN roads NNS , , are VBP a DT common JJ sight NN while IN driving VVG in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT The DT mountains NNS around IN urban JJ centers NNS were VBD mined VVN to TO prevent VV opposition NN forces NNS from IN gaining VVG control NN of IN strategic JJ high JJ ground NN around IN the DT cities NNS . SENT Hilltops NNS around IN cities NNS provide VVP the DT perfect JJ gallery NN from IN which WDT to TO look VV down RP on IN to TO a DT city NN , , while IN selecting VVG sniping NN , , rocketing VVG , , and CC mortar NN targets NNS . SENT Soviet NP and CC Afghan NP Government NP forces NNS used VVD numerous JJ outlying JJ military JJ posts NNS to TO control VV localities NNS . SENT Mines NNS were VBD used VVN to TO protect VV these DT posts NNS from IN mujaheddin NN attack NN . SENT For IN example NN , , the DT village NN of IN Khalchi NP in IN Chimtala NP north NN of IN Kabul NP , , is VBZ heavily RB mined VVN . SENT An DT oil NN pipeline NN supplying VVG a DT nearby JJ Soviet JJ base NN was VBD destroyed VVN by IN mujaheddin NN fighters NNS in IN the DT early JJ 1980 CD s PP . SENT after IN repairing VVG the DT pipeline NN the DT Soviets NPS built VVD a DT military JJ post NN in IN the DT village NN to TO defend VV their PP$ oil NN supply NN . SENT The DT Soviets NPS mined VVD heavily RB around IN the DT military JJ post NN . SENT Over IN a DT decade NN later RBR the DT mines NNS are VBP still RB there RB , , and CC civilians NNS returning VVG to TO their PP$ village NN are VBP now RB targeted VVN by IN mines NNS originally RB laid VVN to TO protect VV against IN mujaheddin NN attack NN . SENT Soviet JJ forces NNS used VVD air NN delivered VVD mines NNS to TO disrupt VV suspected JJ mujaheddin NN supply NN routes NNS and CC escape VV routes NNS . SENT Many JJ of IN these DT were VBD butterfly NN mines NNS PFM NP 1 CD , , which WDT still RB lie VVP on IN the DT hillsides NNS and CC mountainsides NNS of IN Afghanistan NP . SENT It PP is VBZ unlikely JJ that IN the DT mine JJ problem NN in IN remote JJ mountainous JJ regions NNS will MD ever RB be VB fully RB known VVN . SENT The DT capital NN , , Kabul NP , , was VBD mined VVN heavily RB by IN mujaheddin NN commanders NNS after IN the DT Soviet JJ withdrawal NN . SENT Between IN 1992 CD 95 CD , , Kabul NP became VVD the DT focus NN for IN severe JJ fighting NN between IN rival JJ mujaheddin NN factions NNS battling VVG over IN control NN of IN the DT city NN . SENT Large JJ parts NNS of IN the DT city NN particularly RB western JJ Kabul NP were VBD mined VVN as IN a DT result NN of IN house NN to TO house VV fighting VVG . SENT Mines NNS are VBP reportedly RB currently RB being VBG used VVN on IN the DT front JJ lines NNS north RB and CC west RB of IN Kabul NP , , and CC north RB east JJ of IN Herat NN , , where WRB there EX is VBZ fighting VVG between IN ex JJ mujaheddin NN commanders NNS and CC Taliban JJ forces NNS . SENT Back RB to TO top VV Medical NP Care NP for IN Mines NPS Victims NNS Dying VVG Before IN Treatment NP A DT survey NN in IN Afghanistan NP by IN Vietnam NP Veterans NP of IN America NP in IN 1995 CD indicated VVD that IN 59 CD per IN cent NN of IN landmines NNS victims NNS die VVP from IN their PP$ injuries NNS . SENT Most JJS are VBP likely JJ to TO die VV before IN arrival NN at IN hospital NN . SENT Mines NNS victims NNS do VVP not RB arrive VV at IN hospital NN for IN a DT range NN of IN different JJ reasons NNS . SENT The DT most RBS common JJ types NNS of IN anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS in IN Afghanistan NP frequently RB cause VV immediate JJ fatality NN . SENT The DT Soviet JJ PMN NN and CC PMN JJ 2 CD blast NN mines NNS contain VVP a DT large JJ amount NN of IN explosive JJ with IN the DT possibility NN of IN fatal JJ results NNS . SENT The DT most RBS common JJ fragmentation NN mines NNS are VBP the DT Soviet JJ POM NN Z NN and CC POM NN Z NP 2 CD , , which WDT also RB frequently RB cause VV immediate JJ death NN . SENT Even RB if IN a DT victim NN survives VVZ the DT initial JJ explosion NN , , mine NN accidents NNS in IN Afghanistan NP often RB happen VV in IN remote JJ places NNS , , particularly RB on IN mountainsides NNS used VVN for IN grazing NN animals NNS . SENT In IN these DT remote JJ areas NNS , , if IN mine NN victims NNS are VBP discovered VVN at IN all DT , , they PP may MD be VB taken VVN to TO traditional JJ local JJ healers NNS for IN inappropriate JJ treatment NN , , delaying VVG or CC perhaps RB even RB preventing VVG the DT arrival NN at IN hospital NN . SENT Furthermore RB , , it PP may MD not RB be VB possible JJ to TO evacuate VV the DT victim NN quickly RB to TO hospital NN . SENT Transport NN to TO hospital NN may MD not RB be VB available JJ . SENT Distances NNS to TO the DT nearest JJS hospital NN may MD be VB hours NNS or CC days NNS over IN extremely RB poor JJ roads NNS . SENT During IN the DT winter NN and CC the DT rainy JJ season NN , , many JJ roads NNS become VVP impassable JJ because IN of IN snow NN or CC rain NN . SENT Making VVG it PP to TO the DT Hospital NP The NP State NP Health NP Sector NN in IN Afghanistan NP If IN victims NNS do VVP arrive VV at IN hospital NN , , they PP will MD receive VV basic JJ treatment NN . SENT Afghanistan NP is VBZ a DT country NN with IN an DT extremely RB undeveloped JJ health NN infrastructure NN . SENT The DT most RBS sophisticated JJ medical JJ facilities NNS are VBP situated VVN in IN the DT five CD regional JJ capitals NNS of IN Kabul NP , , Kandahar NP , , Herat NN , , Jalalabad NP , , and CC Mazar NP . SENT Outside IN these DT cities NNS , , medical JJ facilities NNS are VBP usually RB rudimentary JJ . SENT Medical JJ facilities NNS even RB at IN the DT biggest JJS hospitals NNS are VBP often RB basic JJ . SENT Hospitals NNS are VBP underresourced JJ and CC unhygienic JJ , , with IN no DT mattresses NNS on IN the DT beds NNS , , peeling VVG paint NN , , broken JJ windows NNS , , unpaid JJ staff NN , , and CC a DT lack NN of IN surgical JJ facilities NNS . SENT Many JJ of IN the DT best JJS doctors NNS and CC surgeons NNS have VHP fled VVN the DT country NN , , and CC the DT remaining VVG surgeons NNS often RB lack VVP the DT training NN to TO deal VV properly RB with IN traumatic JJ amputations NNS . SENT Nurses NNS are VBP in IN short JJ supply NN , , and CC family NN members NNS are VBP expected VVN to TO take VV care NN of IN patients NNS needs NNS , , including VVG food NN and CC sheets NNS and CC blankets NNS . SENT In IN government NN hospitals NNS , , family NN members NNS must MD provide VV dressings NNS and CC medicines NNS from IN the DT local JJ bazaar NN . SENT Standards NNS of IN Treatment NP for IN Mine NP Victims NNS The DT standard NN of IN treatment NN of IN mines NNS victims NNS can MD vary VV widely RB in IN different JJ hospitals NNS . SENT The DT hospital NN to TO which WDT a DT victim NN is VBZ evacuated VVN is VBZ a DT vital JJ consideration NN in IN assessing VVG the DT quality NN of IN care NN a DT mine NN victim NN will MD receive VV . SENT If IN , , for IN example NN , , the DT victim NN is VBZ evacuated VVN to TO Mirwais NP Hospital NP in IN Kandahar NP , , where WRB The DT International NP Committee NP of IN the DT Red NP Cross NP ICRC NP supports VVZ surgical JJ operations NNS , , the DT chance NN of IN receiving VVG high JJ quality NN , , sterile JJ treatment NN is VBZ excellent JJ . SENT However RB , , other JJ hospitals NNS lack VVP the DT expertise NN and CC resources NNS required VVN for IN successful JJ operations NNS . SENT Payment NN for IN Treatment NP In IN government NN hospitals NNS , , treatment NN is VBZ reliant JJ on IN unofficial JJ payment NN . SENT Payment NN is VBZ usually RB required VVN for IN the DT services NNS of IN the DT surgeon NN , , the DT drugs NNS used VVN , , the DT hiring NN of IN the DT necessary JJ equipment NN for IN surgery NN , , injections NNS , , nurses NNS , , and CC dressings NNS for IN the DT wounds NNS . SENT If IN a DT patient NN is VBZ unable JJ to TO pay VV , , treatment NN will MD almost RB certainly RB be VB refused VVN . SENT For IN poorer JJR families NNS , , treatment NN is VBZ extremely RB costly JJ , , and CC hospital NN payments NNS will MD require VV the DT selling NN of IN livestock NN , , family NN possessions NNS , , or CC other JJ items NNS of IN value NN . SENT Cleaning VVG the DT Wound NN and CC Surgery NN There EX are VBP three CD common JJ patterns NNS of IN anti JJ personnel NNS mine NN injury NN . SENT Amputation NN of IN the DT foot NN or CC leg NN from IN standing VVG on IN a DT blast NN mine NN . SENT Multiple JJ fragment NN injuries NNS from IN triggering VVG a DT fragmentation NN mine NN , , where WRB the DT legs NNS are VBP injured VVN and CC often RB so RB too RB are VBP the DT head NN , , neck NN , , chest NN , , and CC abdomen NN . SENT Hand NN , , arm NN , , face NN , , and CC eye NN injuries NNS from IN handling VVG a DT mine NN . SENT On IN arrival NN in IN hospital NN , , ICRC NP administers VVZ antibiotics NNS , , an DT intravenous JJ infusion NN of IN fluids NNS , , and CC anti JJ tetanus NN injection NN . SENT If IN the DT wound NN is VBZ abdominal JJ , , or CC needs VVZ amputation NN , , it PP will MD be VB X NP rayed VVD . SENT The DT wound NN will MD be VB cleaned VVN and CC dressed VVN in IN preparation NN for IN treatment NN . SENT In IN non JJ ICRC NP hospitals NNS it PP is VBZ likely JJ that IN only RB the DT cleaning NN of IN the DT wound NN will MD happen VV before IN surgery NN . SENT Mine NN injuries NNS often RB leave VVP large JJ open JJ wounds NNS which WDT are VBP difficult JJ to TO clean VV thoroughly RB even RB using VVG state NN of IN the DT art NN techniques NNS . SENT However RB , , in IN Afghanistan NP where WRB many JJ hospitals NNS are VBP dirty JJ environments NNS and CC techniques NNS are VBP basic JJ , , infection NN of IN injuries NNS including VVG infection NN of IN the DT bone NN osteomyelitis NN is VBZ common JJ . SENT A DT skillful JJ amputation NN should MD aim VV at IN saving VVG as RB much RB of IN the DT limb NN as IN possible JJ , , while IN excising VVG all DT dead JJ and CC infected JJ tissue NN . SENT The DT amputated VVN bones NNS should MD be VB rounded VVN off RP with IN a DT file NN to TO ensure VV no DT sharp JJ edges NNS will MD dig VV into IN the DT stump NN . SENT For IN below IN knee NN amputations NNS , , the DT fibula NN should MD always RB be VB amputated VVN higher JJR than IN the DT tibia NN to TO ensure VV the DT patient NN can MD wear VV a DT prosthesis NN . SENT Amputations NNS are VBP often RB basic JJ . SENT Bones NNS are VBP often RB cut VVN to TO the DT wrong JJ lengths NNS , , making VVG the DT fitting NN of IN prostheses NNS problematic JJ . SENT Poor JJ amputation NN often RB leaves VVZ sharp JJ pieces NNS of IN bone NN aggravating VVG the DT tissue NN of IN the DT stump NN . SENT The DT muscles NNS of IN the DT leg NN , , which WDT should MD be VB folded VVN round NN the DT end NN of IN the DT amputated VVN bone NN to TO act VV as IN a DT cushion NN a DT myoplastic JJ amputation NN , , are VBP often RB left VVN dangling VVG from IN the DT stump NN . SENT After IN an DT amputation NN , , the DT wound NN should MD be VB dressed VVN and CC left VVN unsutured JJ for IN a DT few JJ days NNS , , to TO ensure VV it PP is VBZ free JJ of IN infection NN , , and CC to TO allow VV swelling VVG to TO subside VV . SENT This DT is VBZ known VVN as IN delayed JJ primary JJ closure NN . SENT If IN clear JJ of IN infection NN , , in IN a DT second JJ operation NN the DT wound NN will MD be VB closed VVN with IN sutures NNS . SENT Care NN of IN the DT Fresh NP Stump NP A DT fresh JJ stump NN should MD receive VV physiotherapy NN attention NN as RB soon RB as IN sutures NNS are VBP removed VVN , , about RB two CD weeks NNS after IN amputation NN . SENT Physiotherapy NN is VBZ necessary JJ to TO keep VV the DT limb NN moving VVG to TO avoid VV problems NNS such JJ as IN muscle NN contractures NNS which WDT cause VVP limitations NNS to TO moving VVG the DT limb NN . SENT Patients NNS should MD be VB walking VVG with IN crutches NNS to TO maintain VV their PP$ upper JJ body NN strength NN , , and CC exercising VVG the DT limb NN to TO rebuild VV muscle NN body NN . SENT Once RB the DT stump NN has VHZ healed VVN sufficiently RB , , stump NN massage NN is VBZ necessary JJ to TO ensure VV that DT blood NN supply NN is VBZ maintained VVN to TO the DT stump NN . SENT In IN government NN hospitals NNS trained VVN physiotherapists NNS are VBP in IN short JJ supply NN , , and CC there EX is VBZ often RB a DT lack NN of IN training NN about IN how WRB to TO look VV after IN the DT fresh JJ stump NN , , leading VVG to TO further JJR complications NNS . SENT Access NN to TO a DT Prosthesis NN There EX are VBP prosthetics NN workshops NNS run VVN by IN ICRC NP and CC other JJ NGOs NNS in IN all DT of IN the DT major JJ regional JJ cities NNS in IN Afghanistan NP , , and CC a DT few JJ smaller JJR towns NNS . SENT These DT centers NNS provide VVP free JJ prostheses NNS to TO amputees NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , in IN Kandahar NP an DT Afghan JJ NGO NN called VVN Guardian NP makes VVZ some DT 85 CD prostheses NNS every DT month NN . SENT Patients NNS who WP receive VVP an DT amputation NN in IN hospital NN are VBP often RB but CC not RB always RB informed VVN by IN hospital NN staff NN that IN there EX is VBZ access NN to TO a DT prosthesis NN . SENT In IN 1995 CD and CC 1996 CD , , ICRC NP made VVD over IN 8000 CD leg NN prostheses NNS . SENT More JJR than IN 80 CD per IN cent NN of IN these DT were VBD for IN mine NN amputees NNS . SENT Often RB , , only RB when WRB victims NNS come VVP to TO orthopaedic JJ centers NNS in IN the DT hope NN of IN receiving VVG a DT prosthesis NN does VVZ their PP$ stump NN receive VV adequate JJ attention NN . SENT Orthopaedic JJ centers NNS employ VVP physiotherapists NNS to TO show VV amputees NNS how WRB to TO care VV for IN their PP$ stump NN to TO avoid VV infection NN and CC other JJ complications NNS . SENT If IN there EX are VBP no DT complications NNS , , the DT whole JJ process NN from IN measuring VVG a DT patient NN for IN a DT prosthesis NN , , to TO walking VVG out RP of IN the DT center NN with IN a DT new JJ leg NN , , should MD take VV about IN ten CD days NNS . SENT On IN arrival NN the DT amputee NN will MD be VB registered VVN , , and CC will MD receive VV basic JJ stump NN massage NN from IN a DT physiotherapist NN to TO check VV whether IN the DT stump NN can MD receive VV a DT prosthesis NN . SENT Prosthetics NN centers NNS deal NN with IN many JJ victims NNS who WP are VBP unable JJ to TO accept VV a DT prosthesis NN because IN of IN poor JJ amputation NN or CC poor JJ post NN operative NN care NN . SENT These DT patients NNS are VBP sent VVN for IN a DT stump NN revision NN operation NN or CC intensive JJ physiotherapy NN before IN returning VVG for IN a DT prosthesis NN . SENT If IN the DT condition NN of IN the DT stump NN is VBZ satisfactory JJ , , plaster NN of IN paris NP will MD be VB smeared VVN around IN the DT stump NN , , allowed VVN to TO dry VV , , and CC removed VVN . SENT this DT is VBZ known VVN as IN a DT negative JJ mould NN . SENT After IN drying VVG , , more JJR plaster NN of IN paris NP will MD be VB poured VVN into IN the DT negative JJ mould NN , , making VVG a DT positive JJ model NN of IN the DT stump NN . SENT This DT model NN will MD be VB used VVN to TO make VV a DT good JJ fitting JJ prosthesis NN for IN each DT individual JJ patient NN . SENT The DT patient NN must MD now RB wait VV for IN the DT few JJ days NNS it PP takes VVZ to TO make VV a DT prosthesis NN . SENT The DT stump NN model NN will MD be VB encased VVN by IN polypropylene NN plastic NN and CC lined VVN with IN padding NN on IN the DT inside NN , , and CC an DT ankle NN rod NN and CC foot NN will MD be VB bolted VVN on IN to TO the DT bottom NN . SENT A DT new JJ prosthesis NN made VVN by IN an DT NGO NN in IN Afghanistan NP costs NNS between IN US NP 60 CD 70 CD to TO manufacture VV . SENT After IN receiving VVG a DT new JJ prosthesis NN , , the DT patient NN must MD learn VV to TO walk VV again RB . SENT Older JJR and CC larger JJR patients NNS tend VVP to TO find VV it PP more RBR difficult JJ , , and CC above IN knee NN prostheses NNS are VBP more RBR difficult JJ to TO master VV than IN below IN knee NN prostheses NNS . SENT When WRB the DT physiotherapists NNS are VBP happy JJ that IN the DT patient NN can MD walk VV confidently RB and CC correctly RB , , they PP can MD leave VV with IN their PP$ new JJ legs NNS . SENT Patients NNS should MD return VV for IN a DT new JJ prosthesis NN within IN 18 CD months NNS to TO three CD years NNS . SENT normally RB the DT foot NN of IN the DT prosthesis NN starts VVZ to TO disintegrate VV after IN this DT time NN . SENT Other JJ problems NNS which WDT may MD encourage VV an DT early JJ return NN to TO the DT prosthetics NN center NN are VBP rubbing VVG of IN the DT stump NN or CC a DT broken JJ prosthesis NN . SENT In IN theory NN , , patients NNS should MD return VV to TO the DT orthopedic JJ centers NNS regularly RB for IN replacement NN prostheses NNS , , or CC to TO discuss VV problems NNS concerning VVG the DT false JJ limb NN . SENT In IN practice NN , , many JJ patients NNS have VHP problems NNS with IN the DT prosthesis NN but CC do VVP not RB return VV to TO the DT centers NNS , , preferring VVG not RB to TO wear VV the DT painful JJ leg NN , , and CC reverting VVG to TO the DT use NN of IN crutches NNS . SENT This DT is VBZ particularly RB true JJ of IN patients NNS from IN more JJR remote JJ villages NNS . SENT Many JJ patients NNS who WP suffer VVP problems NNS with IN their PP$ prostheses NNS are VBP not RB motivated VVN to TO make VV the DT journey NN to TO try VV a DT new JJ false JJ limb NN . SENT For IN some DT patients NNS , , a DT return NN to TO the DT center NN , , refitting VVG a DT prosthesis NN , , and CC ensuring VVG the DT stump NN is VBZ healthy JJ could MD take VV two CD weeks NNS . SENT Encouraging VVG Orthopedic JJ Patients NNS Some DT orthopedic JJ centers NNS offer VVP outreach NN programs NNS , , going VVG to TO isolated JJ villages NNS to TO find VV amputees NNS for IN treatment NN . SENT Many JJ amputees NNS injured VVN by IN mines NNS during IN the DT Soviet JJ occupation NN are VBP unaware JJ that IN prosthetic JJ workshops NNS have VHP now RB been VBN established VVN in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT For IN example NN , , a DT recent JJ outreach NN program NN conducted VVN by IN Sandy NP Gall's NP Afghanistan NP Appeal VV a DT British JJ NGO NN around IN Jalalabad NP found VVD numerous JJ people NNS in IN outlying JJ villages NNS who WP had VHD no DT prosthesis NN or CC wheelchairs NNS , , and CC no DT idea NN that IN help NN was VBD available JJ . SENT Orthopedic JJ centers NNS often RB provide VVP transport NN to TO and CC from IN the DT center NN , , and CC accommodation NN in IN dormitories NNS at IN the DT centers NNS during IN the DT ten CD day NN fitting NN , , manufacture VV , , and CC physiotherapy NN process NN . SENT Many JJ amputees NNS would MD otherwise RB be VB reluctant JJ or CC unable JJ to TO make VV the DT expensive JJ journey NN to TO the DT centers NNS . SENT Orthopedic JJ centers NNS also RB provide VVP a DT limited JJ number NN of IN wheelchairs NNS for IN amputees NNS who WP cannot NN be VB fitted VVN with IN a DT prosthesis NN . SENT The DT traditional JJ 4 CD wheel NN wheelchair NN can MD be VB unstable JJ on IN the DT uneven JJ roads NNS and CC paths NNS of IN Afghanistan NP . SENT in IN Jalalabad NP , , an DT NGO NN called VVD Motivation NN is VBZ producing VVG 3 CD wheel NN chairs NNS designed VVN to TO offer VV greater JJR stability NN and CC maneuverability NN to TO Afghan JJ amputees NNS . SENT The DT Thirst NN for IN Knowledge NN Local JJ knowledge NN is VBZ vital JJ in IN the DT fight NN against IN mines NNS in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT Information NN on IN victims NNS and CC the DT location NN of IN mines NNS in IN Afghanistan NP is VBZ imperfect JJ , , hard JJ to TO come VV by IN , , and CC time NN consuming NN to TO gather VV . SENT But CC it PP underpins VVZ an DT effective JJ Mine NP Action NP Program NP . SENT Accurate JJ information NN helps VVZ prioritize JJR areas NNS for IN mine JJ clearance NN operations NNS , , mines NNS awareness NN training NN , , and CC medical JJ response NN . SENT During IN the DT month NN of IN May NP 1997 CD , , MSF NP clinics NNS throughout IN Afghanistan NP used VVD their PP$ medical JJ access NN to TO tens NNS of IN thousands NNS of IN patients NNS to TO gather VV mines NNS related JJ information NN . SENT When WRB analyzed VVN , , the DT survey NN will MD show VV how WRB many JJ families NNS have VHP been VBN affected VVN by IN mines NNS incidents NNS , , where WRB accidents NNS took VVD place NN , , and CC who WP was VBD involved VVN . SENT The DT survey NN asks VVZ about IN family NN members NNS killed VVN by IN mines NNS in IN Afghanistan NP deaths NNS rarely RB make VVP it PP onto IN the DT hospital NN records NNS . SENT MSF NP hopes VVZ that IN this DT information NN will MD give VV a DT clear JJ picture NN of IN the DT medical JJ impact NN of IN mines NNS in IN Afghanistan NP in IN 1997 CD . SENT It PP will MD help VV mine NN clearers NNS and CC mines NNS awareness NN teachers NNS in IN Afghanistan NP , , as RB well RB as IN supporting VVG the DT advocacy NN of IN the DT Afghan NP and CC International NP Campaigns NNS to TO Ban NP Landmines NNS . SENT The DT results NNS of IN the DT survey NN will MD be VB analysed VVN and CC available JJ by IN late JJ summer NN 1997 CD . SENT They PP will MD be VB presented VVN at IN the DT governmental JJ meeting NN in IN Oslo NN to TO prepare VV the DT treaty NN banning VVG anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS . SENT Back RB to TO top VV Finding VVG the DT Mines NPS By IN the DT end NN of IN 1996 CD , , some DT 500 CD square JJ kilometers NNS of IN minefields NNS had VHD been VBN discovered VVN in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT During IN the DT past JJ seven CD years NNS , , the DT deminers NNS have VHP cleared VVN over IN 100 CD square JJ kilometers NNS , , and CC they PP still RB have VHP 150 CD square JJ kilometers NNS of IN high JJ priority NN land NN to TO clear VV before IN turning VVG their PP$ attention NN to TO the DT 250 CD square JJ kilometers NNS of IN lower JJR priority NN land NN . SENT In IN the DT process NN of IN clearing VVG minefields NNS and CC old JJ battlefields NNS , , just RB over IN half PDT a DT million CD explosive JJ devices NNS have VHP been VBN destroyed VVN . SENT Around IN most JJS of IN the DT major JJ cities NNS in IN Afghanistan NP , , one PP sees VVZ the DT deminers NNS at IN work NN . SENT With IN their PP$ red JJ flags NNS fluttering VVG in IN the DT wind NN , , their PP$ army NN fatigues NNS , , and CC piles NNS of IN rocks NNS painted VVN white JJ and CC red JJ , , they PP work VVP by IN the DT sides NNS of IN roads NNS , , in IN amongst IN houses NNS , , sweeping VVG over IN graveyards NNS , , on IN the DT hillsides NNS , , and CC on IN the DT plains NNS on IN the DT outskirts NNS of IN town NN . SENT They PP walk VVP along IN the DT safe JJ lanes NNS through IN the DT minefields NNS , , crouch NN down IN watching VVG their PP$ colleagues NNS at IN work NN , , or CC lie VVP in IN the DT dust NN excavating VVG carefully RB for IN a DT suspect JJ object NN . SENT Sometimes RB one PP sees VVZ the DT dog NN teams NNS working VVG on IN the DT areas NNS outside IN town NN . SENT The DT deminers NNS move VVP forward RB meter NN by IN meter NN , , checking VVG every DT square JJ centimeter NN of IN land NN . SENT Demining NP is VBZ a DT high JJ status NN job NN in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT Afghans NNS believe VVP that IN the DT deminers NNS are VBP still RB fighting VVG the DT Jihad NP Holy NP War NP against IN the DT Soviets NPS , , clearing VVG up RP the DT last JJ vestiges NNS of IN the DT occupation NN . SENT History NN of IN the DT Demining NP Program NN Starting VVG in IN 1988 CD , , Afghanistan NP was VBD the DT UN's NP first JJ humanitarian JJ demining NN program NN , , so RB the DT first JJ years NNS included VVD a DT steep JJ learning NN curve NN . SENT The DT idea NN behind IN the DT Program NN has VHZ always RB been VBN to TO assist VV Afghans NNS themselves PP to IN clear JJ Afghanistan NP of IN mines NNS and CC unexploded JJ ordnance NN UXOs NP . SENT The DT original JJ unsuccessful JJ approach NN was VBD to TO train VV a DT deminer NN from IN each DT village NN , , give VV him PP the DT necessary JJ equipment NN , , and CC send VV him PP back RB to TO the DT village NN to TO begin VV work NN . SENT It PP soon RB became VVD clear JJ that IN this DT method NN was VBD unworkable JJ . SENT there EX was VBD no DT medical JJ support NN for IN injured JJ deminers NNS , , no DT central JJ control NN , , no DT prioritization NN , , no DT guarantee NN of IN quality NN clearance NN , , and CC in IN some DT areas NNS no DT guarantee NN of IN clearance NN at IN all DT . SENT The DT final JJ straw NN came VVD when WRB demining JJ equipment NN began VVD to TO appear VV for IN sale NN in IN local JJ bazaars NNS . SENT Structure NN of IN the DT Demining NP Program NN Realizing VVG that IN the DT village NN deminer NN approach NN had VHD serious JJ problems NNS , , in IN 1989 CD the DT present JJ approach NN was VBD introduced VVN . SENT The DT idea NN was VBD to TO centralize VV control NN to TO ensure VV quality NN clearance NN , , prioritization NN of IN clearance NN areas NNS , , and CC professional JJ training NN for IN such PDT a DT dangerous JJ task NN . SENT Under IN the DT present JJ approach NN , , there EX are VBP 5 CD Afghan JJ NGOs NNS involved VVN in IN the DT Afghan JJ Mine NP Action NP Program NP . SENT The DT Mine NP Clearance NN Planning NP Agency NP MCPA NP is VBZ responsible JJ for IN surveying NN , , marking VVG and CC mapping VVG minefields NNS , , and CC centralizing VVG data NNS on IN mined VVN areas NNS . SENT The DT Mine NP Dog NP Center NP MDC NP , , Afghan NP Technical NP Consultants NPS ATC NP , , The DT Organization NP for IN Mine NP Clearance NN and CC Afghan JJ Rehabilitation NP OMAR NP , , and CC the DT Demining NP Agency NP for IN Afghanistan NP DAFA NP are VBP responsible JJ for IN clearing VVG minefields NNS . SENT The DT Afghan JJ demining NN NGOs NNS are VBP coordinated VVN by IN the DT UN NP Office NP for IN the DT Coordination NN of IN Humanitarian JJ Assistance NP to TO Afghanistan NP UNOCHA NP , , which WDT has VHZ a DT central JJ office NN in IN Islamabad NP , , northern JJ Pakistan NP , , and CC regional JJ offices NNS within IN Afghanistan NP . SENT UNOCHA NP has VHZ regional JJ demining NN offices NNS in IN Kabul NP , , Kandahar NP , , Herat NN and CC Jalalabad NP reflecting VVG the DT seriousness NN of IN the DT problem NN in IN large JJ parts NNS of IN the DT country NN . SENT Funding NP comes VVZ from IN many JJ sources NNS , , although IN the DT UN NP and CC the DT European NP Union NP are VBP the DT major JJ donors NNS . SENT In IN all DT , , the DT Mine NP Action NP Program NP has VHZ over RB 50 CD teams NNS working VVG around IN Afghanistan NP doing VVG surveying NN , , mine NN clearance NN , , battle NN area NN clearance NN , , bomb NN disposal NN , , and CC training VVG new JJ deminers NNS . SENT There EX are VBP some DT 3300 CD employees NNS of IN which WDT 5 CD are NN expatriates NNS . SENT Afghans NNS are VBP responding VVG to TO the DT problem NN of IN mines NNS in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT The DT HALO NN Trust NP , , an DT independent JJ mine NN clearance NN NGO NN , , works VVZ in IN Kabul NP and CC is VBZ the DT only JJ mine NN clearance NN organization NN working VVG in IN the DT north NN of IN the DT country NN . SENT Coordinating VVG work NN with IN the DT UN NP but CC maintaining VVG its PP$ independent JJ status NN , , the DT HALO NN Trust's NP eighteen CD demining NN teams NNS play VVP an DT important JJ role NN in IN responding VVG to TO the DT mine JJ threat NN in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT The DT HALO NN Trust NP uses VVZ manual JJ and CC mechanical JJ clearance NN methods NNS Demining NP School NP Before IN working VVG in IN the DT field NN for IN the DT first JJ time NN , , Afghan JJ deminers NNS of IN the DT Mine NP Action NP Program NP must MD attend VV Demining NP School NP outside IN Jalalabad NP . SENT Before IN passing VVG out RP as IN deminers NNS the DT men NNS must MD pass VV two CD separate JJ courses NNS , , first RB learning VVG to TO use VV their PP$ equipment NN , , and CC second JJ learning VVG how WRB to TO work VV as IN a DT team NN , , and CC learning VVG how WRB to TO work VV with IN partners NNS in IN the DT minefields NNS . SENT Having VHG completed VVN the DT courses NNS , , the DT men NNS are VBP now RB ready JJ to TO be VB deployed VVN to TO the DT field NN as IN basic JJ deminers NNS . SENT To TO become VV minefield NN surveyors NNS , , battle NN area NN clearers NNS , , or CC other JJ more JJR specialist NN jobs NNS , , further JJR courses NNS are VBP offered VVN to TO qualified JJ and CC capable JJ students NNS . SENT Marking VVG and CC Mapping VVG Minefields NNS The DT first JJ stage NN in IN clearing VVG an DT area NN of IN mines NNS is VBZ to TO find VV the DT danger NN areas NNS . SENT This DT is VBZ the DT job NN of IN the DT surveyors NNS of IN the DT Mine NP Clearance NN Planning NP Agency NP MCPA NP . SENT The DT surveyors NNS must MD reduce VV as RB far RB as RB possible JJ the DT boundary NN of IN mined VVN areas NNS , , to TO cut VV down RP the DT amount NN of IN work NN for IN the DT deminers NNS . SENT Few JJ military JJ mine NN maps NNS exist VVP in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT to TO discover VV minefields NNS , , the DT surveyors NNS are VBP reliant JJ on IN information NN from IN local JJ communities NNS and CC hospital NN accident NN records NNS . SENT Settled VVN local JJ communities NNS usually RB know VVP where WRB the DT danger NN areas NNS are VBP in IN their PP$ locality NN , , either CC because IN accidents NNS have VHP happened VVN , , or CC because IN they PP have VHP seen VVN mines NNS or CC UXOs NNS lying VVG on IN the DT surface NN . SENT While IN this DT information NN is VBZ far RB from IN perfect JJ , , it PP is VBZ the DT best RBS available JJ in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT Community NN leaders NNS are VBP encouraged VVN to TO report VV suspicious JJ areas NNS to TO the DT local JJ authorities NNS , , who WP should MD then RB report VV either RB to TO the DT Government's NP Department NP of IN Mine NP Clearance NN in IN Kabul NP , , or CC the DT regional JJ UNOCHA NP Demining NP Office NP . SENT UNOCHA NP should MD then RB request VV MCPA NP to TO survey VV the DT area NN , , and CC mark NN danger NN areas NNS . SENT MCPA NP uses VVZ local JJ knowledge NN to TO demarcate VV the DT edge NN of IN a DT minefield NN as IN accurately RB as RB possible JJ . SENT Locals NNS will MD usually RB know VV which WDT paths NNS , , roads NNS , , and CC areas NNS are VBP safe JJ , , and CC these DT will MD be VB used VVN to TO demarcate VV the DT edge NN of IN the DT suspect JJ area NN . SENT Sniffer NN dogs NNS are VBP used VVN to TO reduce VV the DT size NN of IN the DT suspected JJ minefield NN , , to TO ensure VV that IN the DT perimeter NN of IN the DT minefield NN is VBZ safe JJ , , and CC to TO check VV that IN no DT mines NNS have VHP been VBN missed VVN for IN 2 CD meters NNS outside IN the DT boundary NN . SENT Minefields NNS are VBP usually RB marked VVN with IN red JJ painted JJ rocks NNS which WDT have VHP no DT value NN to TO the DT local JJ community NN , , and CC are VBP unlikely JJ to TO be VB removed VVN for IN other JJ purposes NNS . SENT Once RB surveyed VVN by IN MCPA NP , , the DT area NN will MD be VB given VVN a DT clearance NN priority NN rating NN , , reflecting VVG the DT urgency NN for IN clearance NN , , and CC based VVN on IN the DT needs NNS of IN the DT local JJ community NN . SENT Residential JJ areas NNS and CC important JJ agricultural JJ areas NNS are VBP usually RB top JJ priority NN , , while IN scrubland NN and CC mountain NN tops NNS are VBP likely JJ to TO be VB given VVN a DT lower JJR priority NN rating NN . SENT The DT demining NN happening VVG presently RB in IN Afghanistan NP is VBZ in IN top JJ priority NN land NN , , frequently RB around IN major JJ towns NNS and CC cities NNS . SENT Because IN communication NN and CC the DT structures NNS of IN government NN are VBP weak JJ in IN Afghanistan NP , , the DT reporting NN system NN is VBZ not RB always RB reliable JJ . SENT Particularly RB in IN remoter JJR areas NNS where WRB mine JJ awareness NN training NN has VHZ not RB penetrated VVN , , villagers NNS may MD not RB know VV to TO whom WP to TO report VV a DT minefield NN . SENT Villagers NNS may MD not RB even RB know VV that WDT minefields NNS can MD be VB cleared VVN by IN professional JJ deminers NNS . SENT For IN this DT reason NN , , hospital NN records NNS and CC village NN surveys NNS are VBP important JJ to TO keep VV track NN of IN where WRB explosions NNS are VBP happening VVG . SENT MCPA NP conducts VVZ active JJ surveys NNS , , going VVG out RP to TO remoter JJR villages NNS to TO check VV whether IN the DT villagers NNS know VVP of IN unsurveyed JJ mined VVN areas NNS . SENT Finding VVG new JJ minefields NNS is VBZ an DT ongoing JJ process NN in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT For IN example NN , , refugees NNS returning VVG from IN Iran NP have VHP encouraged VVN the DT surveying NN of IN 20 CD sq NNS . SENT kms NNS of IN minefields NNS in IN Herat NN Province NP in IN early RB 1997 CD . SENT Old JJ minefields NNS laid VVN during IN the DT Soviet JJ occupation NN are VBP still RB being VBG discovered VVN , , and CC new JJ minefields NNS are VBP being VBG laid VVN on IN the DT frontlines NNS in IN current JJ fighting NN . SENT Mined VVN areas NNS discovered VVN by IN returning VVG refugees NNS and CC internally RB displaced VVN people NNS through IN mine NN accidents NNS are VBP often RB immediately RB classified VVN as IN high JJ priority NN clearance NN areas NNS . SENT The DT recent JJ movement NN of IN people NNS from IN the DT front JJ line NN in IN Badghis NP to TO Herat NN has VHZ led VVN to TO the DT prioritization NN for IN clearance NN of IN areas NNS outside IN Herat NN city NN . SENT Clearing VVG the DT Fields NP When WRB marking VVG a DT minefield NN , , as RB well RB as IN giving VVG it PP a DT clearance NN priority NN urgency NN for IN clearance NN , , MCPA NP also RB categorizes VVZ it PP type NN of IN minefield NN . SENT Category NN A DT Mines NPS are VBP visible JJ . SENT Category NN B NP Mines NPS are VBP not RB visible JJ , , but CC have VHP been VBN found VVN during IN surveying NN . SENT Category NN C NP Mines NP cannot NN be VB seen VVN , , and CC there EX is VBZ no DT evidence NN of IN mines NNS during IN the DT survey NN , , but CC locals NNS will MD not RB use VV the DT land NN unless IN it PP is VBZ checked VVN . SENT The DT category NN will MD influence VV the DT method NN of IN clearance NN . SENT Dogs NNS Often RB , , Mine NP Dog NP Teams NNS are VBP used VVN on IN category NN C NP low JJ probability NN minefields NNS , , anti JJ tank NN minefields NNS where WRB the DT number NN of IN mines NNS is VBZ usually RB lower JJR , , and CC minefields NNS containing VVG minimum JJ metal NN mines NNS . SENT The DT sniffer NN dogs NNS can MD check VV the DT area NN rapidly RB , , searching VVG for IN the DT smell NN of IN explosive JJ which WDT has VHZ leached VVN into IN the DT ground NN . SENT For IN the DT dogs NNS themselves PP , , it PP is VBZ a DT game NN . SENT If IN they PP find VVP something NN suspicious JJ they PP sit VVP down RB in IN front NN of IN the DT smell NN . SENT They PP are VBP then RB congratulated VVN by IN their PP$ handlers NNS who WP throw VVP a DT ball NN for IN the DT dog NN to TO chase VV . SENT A DT deminer NN with IN a DT metal NN detector NN will MD then RB check VV the DT suspect JJ spot NN . SENT The DT effectiveness NN of IN the DT dogs NNS depends VVZ entirely RB on IN their PP$ level NN of IN training NN , , the DT skill NN of IN their PP$ handlers NNS , , and CC using VVG them PP in IN the DT right JJ place NN at IN the DT right JJ time NN . SENT The DT dogs NNS now RB used VVN in IN Afghanistan NP are VBP estimated VVN by IN the DT UN NP to TO be VB 85 CD 90 CD effective JJ . SENT Two CD dogs NNS are VBP always RB used VVN to TO check VV the DT same JJ piece NN of IN ground NN . SENT Dogs NNS are VBP only RB useful JJ where WRB there EX is VBZ not RB too RB much RB explosive JJ in IN the DT ground NN . SENT If IN there EX are VBP too RB many JJ mines NNS , , dogs NNS can MD get VV confused VVN and CC excited VVN . SENT mines NNS will MD be VB missed VVN and CC accidents NNS will MD happen VV . SENT The DT conditions NNS must MD also RB be VB right JJ . SENT The DT dogs NNS are VBP used VVN most RBS frequently RB on IN the DT plains NNS outside IN cities NNS , , but CC the DT wind NN can MD prevent VV work NN on IN some DT days NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , in IN Herat NN , , dogs VVZ cannot NN be VB used VVN for IN one CD third NN of IN the DT year NN , , during IN the DT 120 CD day NN wind NN between IN May NP and CC August NP . SENT Mechanical JJ Clearance NN Because IN many JJ mines NNS have VHP been VBN used VVN in IN built VVN up RP areas NNS in IN Afghanistan NP , , new JJ methods NNS of IN mine NN clearance NN have VHP been VBN invented VVN locally RB to TO deal VV with IN this DT . SENT Manual JJ clearance NN of IN residential JJ areas NNS is VBZ extremely RB dangerous JJ . SENT Clearing VVG residential JJ areas NNS poses VVZ numerous JJ problems NNS . SENT Houses NNS destroyed VVN by IN shelling VVG and CC fighting NN have VHP left VVN rubble NN meters NNS deep RB , , any DT part NN of IN which WDT can MD be VB infected VVN with IN mines NNS or CC UXOs NP . SENT Mines NNS have VHP been VBN laid VVN on IN the DT roofs NNS of IN houses NNS to TO prevent VV opposing VVG forces NNS from IN coming VVG over RP the DT roofs NNS . SENT Mines NNS have VHP been VBN laid VVN in IN cellars NNS which WDT have VHP been VBN completely RB filled VVN with IN rubble NN from IN subsequent JJ fighting NN . SENT Metal NN detectors NNS are VBP useless JJ in IN residential JJ areas NNS because IN there EX is VBZ so RB much JJ domestic JJ waste NN and CC fragmentation NN in IN the DT area NN ring NN pulls VVZ from IN Coke NP cans NNS , , forks NNS , , drawing VVG pins NNS , , grenade NN and CC mortar NN fragments NNS . SENT In IN one CD area NN in IN Kandahar NP , , deminers NNS were VBD finding VVG 90 CD metal NN fragments NNS per IN cubic JJ meter NN of IN rubble NN . SENT The DT fired VVN clay NN bricks NNS from IN which WDT many JJ of IN the DT houses NNS are VBP built VVN give VV off RP a DT continual JJ metal NN signal NN . SENT It PP is VBZ hardly RB surprising JJ that IN manual JJ clearance NN in IN these DT circumstances NNS is VBZ extremely RB dangerous JJ . SENT Both CC the DT HALO NN Trust NP and CC UN NP demining NN NGOs NNS are VBP using VVG variations NNS of IN mechanical JJ clearance NN . SENT In IN Kabul NP , , the DT HALO NN Trust NP is VBZ using VVG a DT device NN based VVN around IN an DT armour NN plated VVD earth NN mover NN . SENT The DT ingenious JJ system NN works VVZ like IN this DT . SENT the DT earth NN mover NN picks VVZ up RP contaminated JJ earth NN and CC rubble NN in IN its PP$ armour NN plated JJ bucket NN . SENT a DT wire NN net NN is VBZ attached VVN over IN the DT bucket NN which WDT allows VVZ earth NN , , but CC not RB landmines NNS or CC larger JJR pieces NNS of IN rubble NN to TO escape VV . SENT on IN a DT flat JJ piece NN of IN ground NN the DT earthmover NN reverses VVZ while IN tipping VVG its PP$ load NN , , leaving VVG suspect JJ devices NNS caught VVN in IN the DT wire NN net NN , , and CC a DT thin JJ trail NN of IN earth NN in IN its PP$ wake NN . SENT any DT explosive JJ devices NNS such JJ as IN fuses NNS which WDT have VHP slipped VVN through IN the DT net NN are VBP caught VVN in IN a DT device NN which WDT skims VVZ the DT trail NN of IN earth NN . SENT UN NP demining NN NGOs NNS are VBP using VVG a DT similar JJ system NN in IN Kandahar NP , , employing VVG a DT mechanical JJ digger NN backhoe NN to TO excavate VV the DT contaminated JJ rubble NN . SENT It PP is VBZ estimated VVN that IN , , as RB well RB as IN reducing VVG accident NN rates NNS , , these DT mechanical JJ demining NN systems NNS accelerate VVP demining NN of IN difficult JJ tasks NNS by IN as RB much JJ as IN 300 CD 400 CD . SENT Manual NP Demining NP Manual NP demining NN is VBZ used VVN in IN any DT terrain NN unsuitable JJ for IN dogs NNS or CC mechanical JJ clearance NN . SENT For IN example NN , , manual JJ clearance NN is VBZ being VBG used VVN for IN residential JJ areas NNS in IN Herat NN because IN the DT layout NN and CC architecture NN of IN the DT buildings NNS do VVP not RB allow VV enough JJ space NN for IN mechanical JJ clearance NN . SENT Working VVG in IN a DT team NN of IN 28 CD , , deminers NNS usually RB work VVP in IN pairs NNS on IN the DT minefield NN . SENT In IN each DT pair NN , , one CD man NN works VVZ for IN 15 CD 30 CD minutes NNS while IN his PP$ partner NN rests VVZ and CC watches VVZ at IN a DT safe JJ distance NN . SENT The DT working VVG partner NN checks NNS the DT ground NN with IN a DT metal NN detector NN . SENT When WRB a DT signal NN is VBZ found VVN , , the DT side NN approach NN method NN is VBZ often RB used VVN rather RB than IN prodding VVG with IN a DT bayonet NN . SENT Because IN the DT ground NN is VBZ often RB so RB hard JJ , , this DT technique NN is VBZ considered VVN safer JJR by IN the DT Afghan JJ demining NN agencies NNS . SENT Starting VVG half PDT a DT metre NN away RB from IN the DT signal NN , , the DT deminer NN digs VVZ a DT small JJ trench NN , , which WDT he PP then RB widens VVZ towards IN the DT suspect JJ signal NN , , carefully RB removing VVG earth NN from IN the DT side NN of IN the DT work NN face NN . SENT The DT deminer NN will MD come VV across IN the DT side NN or CC bottom NN of IN the DT mine NN first JJ , , and CC be VB able JJ to TO identify VV it PP and CC destroy VV it PP where WRB it PP lies VVZ . SENT When WRB the DT source NN of IN the DT metal NN has VHZ been VBN discovered VVN it PP may MD be VB a DT mine NN , , but CC it PP is VBZ more RBR likely JJ to TO be VB a DT bullet NN cartridge NN or CC other JJ shrapnel NN , , and CC dealt VVD with IN appropriately RB , , the DT deminer NN will MD return VV to TO searching VVG the DT ground NN with IN the DT metal NN detector NN . SENT In IN residential JJ areas NNS , , where WRB a DT metal NN detector NN is VBZ often RB of IN no DT use NN , , deminers NNS work VVP individually RB among IN the DT rubble NN and CC destroyed VVN houses NNS , , using VVG only RB their PP$ eyes NNS and CC a DT hand NN excavator NN . SENT The DT Day NN of IN Proof NN After IN the DT deminers NNS have VHP cleared VVN a DT piece NN of IN land NN , , they PP invite VV local JJ people NNS to TO the DT day NN of IN proof NN . SENT The DT deminers NNS will MD walk VV over IN the DT land NN they PP have VHP cleared VVN , , showing VVG the DT community NN it PP is VBZ safe JJ . SENT The DT land NN will MD then RB be VB officially RB handed VVN back RB to TO the DT community NN . SENT Often RB , , there EX are VBP prayers NNS of IN thanks NNS organized VVN by IN the DT local JJ community NN , , and CC a DT ceremony NN to TO thank VV the DT deminers NNS for IN their PP$ work NN . SENT Accidents NNS Demining NP Afghanistan NP is VBZ a DT dangerous JJ business NN . SENT The DT Afghan NP Mine NP Action NP Program NP has VHZ significant JJ although IN falling VVG accident NN rates NNS . SENT There EX were VBD 65 CD accidents NNS during IN 1996 CD , , more JJR than IN one CD a DT week NN . SENT Thirteen CD deminers NNS were VBD injured VVN in IN the DT first JJ three CD months NNS of IN 1997 CD . SENT The DT terrain NN being VBG demined VVN is VBZ often RB extremely RB difficult JJ especially RB in IN residential JJ areas NNS . SENT Seventy CD five CD per IN cent NN of IN accidents NNS take VVP place NN during IN house NN clearance NN and CC canal NN clearance NN , , where WRB mines NNS are VBP buried VVN deep RB in IN silted VVN channels NNS . SENT Demining NP is VBZ also RB an DT extremely RB boring JJ job NN . SENT Depending VVG on IN the DT terrain NN , , deminers NNS will MD routinely RB check VV up RB to TO 50 CD signals NNS every DT day NN without IN finding VVG a DT mine NN or CC UXO NP . SENT Such PDT a DT high JJ percentage NN of IN signals NNS which WDT reveal VVP nothing NN more JJR than IN a DT nail NN can MD make VV a DT man NN inattentive JJ or CC careless JJ . SENT Seasonal JJ Clearance NN Afghanistan NP is VBZ a DT country NN of IN extreme JJ weather NN conditions NNS . SENT Therefore RB , , different JJ areas NNS are VBP designated VVN summer NN clearance NN areas NNS , , and CC winter NN clearance NN areas NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , demining VVG in IN Kabul NP in IN mid JJ winter NN is VBZ impossible JJ . SENT the DT ground NN is VBZ frozen VVN solid RB , , deminers NNS fingers NNS would MD freeze VV , , and CC morale NN and CC safety NN would MD be VB poor JJ . SENT Therefore RB , , for IN the DT four CD months NNS of IN mid JJ winter NN December NP March NP , , deminers NNS from IN Kabul NP move NN down RB to TO the DT warmer JJR climes NNS of IN Kandahar NP and CC Jalalabad NP to TO work VV in IN the DT minefields NNS surrounding VVG these DT cities NNS . SENT As RB soon RB as IN the DT weather NN permits VVZ usually RB the DT end NN of IN March NP the DT demining NN teams NNS prepare VVP to TO begin VV work NN once RB again RB in IN Kabul NP . SENT Deminers NNS do VVP not RB work VV in IN the DT rain NN . SENT Metal NN detectors NNS do VVP not RB function VV properly RB in IN the DT wet JJ , , and CC a DT deminer NN who WP is VBZ wet JJ , , cold JJ , , covered VVN in IN mud NN , , and CC miserable JJ is VBZ not RB concentrating VVG fully RB on IN the DT job NN . SENT For IN safety NN and CC morale NN reasons NNS , , rainy JJ days NNS are VBP spent VVN inside RB , , often RB maintaining VVG equipment NN . SENT Back RB to TO top VV Living VVG With IN Mines NP In IN the DT city NN of IN Kabul NP alone RB there EX are VBP numerous JJ mines NNS awareness NN sessions NNS every DT day NN run VVN by IN the DT Organization NP for IN Mine NP Clearance NN and CC Afghan JJ Rehabilitation NP OMAR NP . SENT In IN early JJ April NP , , OMAR NP was VBD running VVG 21 CD courses NNS daily JJ . SENT Here RB , , men NNS and CC children NNS of IN the DT district NN gather VV to TO learn VV of IN the DT dangers NNS that WDT surround VVP them PP in IN their PP$ city NN . SENT Women NNS are VBP conspicuous JJ by IN their PP$ absence NN . SENT they PP are VBP denied VVN access NN to TO any DT kind NN of IN education NN by IN the DT Taliban NP authorities NNS . SENT In IN classes NNS of IN between IN 20 CD 50 CD , , men NNS and CC children NNS learn VVP skills NNS to TO protect VV themselves PP from IN mines NNS . SENT To TO get VV the DT message NN across IN , , teachers NNS use VVP cotton NN banners NNS illustrating VVG the DT most RBS common JJ mines NNS , , wooden JJ mine NN models NNS , , and CC examples NNS of IN red JJ mine NN warning NN flags NNS . SENT Depending VVG on IN the DT education NN level NN of IN the DT class NN , , lessons NNS last JJ between IN two CD and CC four CD hours NNS . SENT The DT Need NN for IN Mine PP Awareness NN There EX are VBP simply RB too RB many JJ minefields NNS in IN Afghanistan NP to TO be VB cleared VVN in IN the DT near JJ future NN . SENT Rough JJ estimates NNS from IN the DT UN NP show NN that IN high JJ priority NN minefields NNS around IN cities NNS , , and CC vital JJ rural JJ land NN should MD be VB cleared VVN in IN around IN 5 CD years NNS time NN . SENT This DT is VBZ based VVN on IN the DT unlikely JJ assumption NN that IN no DT new JJ minefields NNS are VBP found VVN in IN the DT future NN . SENT Once RB the DT high JJ priority NN areas NNS are VBP clear JJ , , it PP is VBZ anticipated VVN that IN deminers NNS will MD need VV to TO work VV in IN Afghanistan NP clearing VVG lower JJR priority NN areas NNS for IN at IN least JJS another DT decade NN . SENT Afghanistan NP will MD never RB be VB completely RB cleared VVN of IN mines NNS . SENT For IN this DT reason NN , , it PP is VBZ imperative JJ that WDT Afghans NNS know VVP how WRB to TO live VV with IN the DT mines NNS which WDT surround VVP them PP , , and CC that IN they PP have VHP knowledge NN and CC skills NNS to TO protect VV themselves PP . SENT The DT Structure NN of IN the DT Mine NP Awareness NN Program NN While IN the DT Demining NP Program NN is VBZ dominated VVN by IN the DT Afghan JJ demining NN NGOs NNS , , the DT Mines NP Awareness NN Program NN includes VVZ international JJ NGOs NNS . SENT OMAR NP works VVZ throughout IN the DT country NN , , while IN other JJ NGOs NNS provide VVP mines NNS awareness NN training NN in IN specific JJ areas NNS . SENT Save VV the DT Children NP US NP is VBZ active JJ in IN Kabul NP , , teaching NN children NNS about IN the DT dangers NNS of IN mines NNS . SENT Handicap VV International NP works NNS in IN Kandahar NP , , and CC the DT Refugees NNS Relief NP Group NP of IN Ansar NP an DT Iranian JJ NGO NN works VVZ on IN the DT Iranian JJ border NN with IN returning VVG refugees NNS . SENT The DT Afghan JJ Red NP Crescent NN Society NP has VHZ mines NNS awareness NN teams NNS working VVG in IN Kabul NP , , and CC some DT other JJ provinces NNS . SENT The DT International NP Rescue NN Committee NP is VBZ teaching VVG mines NNS awareness NN lessons NNS in IN the DT Afghan JJ refugee NN camps NNS in IN Peshawar NP in IN northern JJ Pakistan NP . SENT Content NN of IN the DT Lessons NNS Many JJ people NNS attending VVG the DT training NN are VBP illiterate JJ . SENT OMAR's NP preferred JJ method NN of IN teaching NN is VBZ through IN repetition NN of IN key JJ messages NNS , , and CC the DT use NN of IN pictures NNS , , models NNS and CC other JJ props NNS . SENT OMAR NP uses VVZ one CD teacher NN trainer NN and CC one CD local JJ volunteer NN teacher NN . SENT When WRB the DT teacher NN trainer NN moves VVZ on IN to TO another DT district NN , , the DT local JJ teacher NN should MD continue VV to TO run VV mines NNS awareness NN initiatives NNS in IN his PP$ area NN . SENT The DT local JJ teacher NN system NN is VBZ new JJ , , and CC it PP is VBZ hoped VVN that IN it PP will MD lead VV to TO a DT sustainable JJ approach NN to TO mines NNS awareness NN training NN . SENT Mines NP awareness NN training NN always RB involves VVZ a DT difficult JJ balance NN . SENT teachers NNS feel VVP that IN it PP is VBZ important JJ to TO give VV the DT students NNS enough JJ information NN to TO protect VV themselves PP , , but CC give VV too RB much JJ information NN and CC this DT may MD have VH the DT undesired JJ effect NN of IN making VVG the DT students NNS over IN confident JJ around IN mines NNS . SENT OMAR NP Lessons NNS OMAR NP lessons NNS often RB start VVP with IN the DT survivor NN of IN a DT landmine NN explosion NN telling VVG of IN their PP$ accident NN . SENT This DT can MD be VB an DT emotional JJ start NN to TO the DT session NN as IN the DT victims NNS implore VV others NNS and CC particularly RB the DT children NNS not RB to TO make VV the DT same JJ mistake NN they PP made VVD . SENT Types NNS of IN Mines NP . SENT Lessons NNS include VVP information NN on IN the DT most RBS common JJ types NNS of IN mine NN and CC UXO NP in IN the DT area NN . SENT how WRB do VVP they PP work VV , , what WP do VVP they PP look VVP like IN , , and CC what WP injuries NNS do VVP they PP cause VV . SENT In IN Kabul NP , , 15 CD types NNS of IN mines NNS are VBP taught VVN , , but CC elsewhere RB in IN Afghanistan NP it PP is VBZ slightly RB higher JJR . SENT Recognizing VVG Mined VVN Areas NNS . SENT Students NNS will MD learn VV about IN how WRB to TO recognize VV a DT mined VVN area NN , , and CC what WP clues NNS to TO look VV for IN . SENT Clues NNS include VVP overgrown VVN , , disused JJ and CC derelict JJ areas NNS , , signs NNS of IN fighting VVG in IN an DT area NN , , evidence NN of IN previous JJ explosions NNS etc NN . SENT They PP will MD learn VV where WRB the DT danger NN areas NNS in IN the DT vicinity NN are VBP . SENT Marking VVG of IN Mined VVN Areas NNS . SENT Students NNS will MD learn VV how WRB minefields NNS and CC other JJ danger NN areas NNS are VBP marked VVN by IN the DT surveyors NNS in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT red JJ painted JJ rocks NNS and CC walls NNS for IN uncleared VVN minefields NNS . SENT yellow JJ paint NN for IN uncleared VVN battle NN areas NNS . SENT and CC white JJ paint NN for IN safe JJ areas NNS . SENT Students NNS are VBP taught VVN how WRB to TO mark VV a DT danger NN area NN themselves PP if IN they PP find VVP mines NNS or CC UXOs NNS . SENT make VV a DT small JJ pile NN of IN stones NNS , , a DT makeshift JJ flag NN from IN available JJ material NN a DT stick NN and CC an DT old JJ piece NN of IN clothing NN , , or CC an DT arrow NN from IN wood NN or CC stones NNS . SENT After IN carefully RB marking VVG the DT spot NN , , the DT danger NN area NN should MD be VB reported VVN immediately RB to TO the DT authorities NNS . SENT Reporting NP Danger NP . SENT Students NNS learn VVP to TO whom WP to TO report VV a DT danger NN area NN . SENT They PP should MD go VV to TO the DT local JJ police NN , , elders NNS , , Taliban NP authorities NNS , , or CC deminers NNS working VVG in IN the DT area NN , , who WP can MD then RB pass VV on IN the DT information NN to TO the DT government's NP Department NP of IN Mine NP Clearance NN or CC the DT UN's NP regional JJ demining NN offices NNS for IN a DT response NN . SENT At IN the DT end NN of IN the DT session NN , , people NNS slowly RB break VVP up RP , , and CC drift VVP away RB back VV to TO their PP$ homes NNS near IN the DT minefields NNS . SENT They PP should MD have VH digested VVN and CC learnt VVN the DT most RBS important JJ messages NNS . SENT don't JJ touch NN , , stay VVP on IN the DT safe JJ path NN , , and CC report NN anything NN suspicious JJ to TO the DT authorities NNS . SENT The DT training NN should MD have VH provided VVN some DT protection NN from IN the DT threat NN of IN mines NNS . SENT Other JJ NGOs NNS Handicap NN International's NP program NN in IN Kandahar NP Province NP aims VVZ at IN establishing VVG mine JJ committees NNS in IN each DT village NN . SENT Village NN elders NNS and CC mullahs NNS are VBP encouraged VVN to TO take VV on IN the DT responsibility NN of IN teaching VVG people NNS in IN their PP$ village NN , , and CC gathering VVG information NN on IN minefields NNS to TO pass VV to TO the DT authorities NNS . SENT Save VV the DT Children NP US NP works VVZ in IN a DT number NN of IN different JJ ways NNS . SENT SCF NP used VVD to TO work VV in IN schools NNS in IN and CC around IN Kabul NP , , but CC since IN the DT closing NN of IN girls NNS schools NNS by IN the DT Taliban NP authorities NNS , , SCF NP female JJ teams NNS have VHP turned VVN their PP$ attention NN to TO mines NNS awareness NN messages NNS at IN hospitals NNS and CC health NN clinics NNS . SENT An DT emergency NN response NN team NN of IN male JJ staff NN teaches VVZ children NNS in IN mosques NNS . SENT A DT children's NNS network NN is VBZ being VBG established VVN . SENT children NNS are VBP given VVN mines NNS awareness NN messages NNS , , board NN games NNS , , memory NN cards NNS and CC other JJ play NN things NNS . SENT They PP are VBP encouraged VVN to TO use VV the DT games NNS to TO talk VV to TO their PP$ friends NNS about IN the DT dangers NNS of IN mines NNS . SENT Educating VVG Women NNS It PP is VBZ extremely RB difficult JJ to TO reach VV women NNS with IN mines NNS awareness NN messages NNS in IN Taliban NP controlled VVD areas NNS of IN Afghanistan NP . SENT The DT Taliban NP authorities NNS do VVP not RB allow VV women NNS to TO receive VV mines NNS awareness NN training NN . SENT It PP is VBZ argued VVN that IN , , after IN attending VVG a DT mines NNS awareness NN course NN , , husbands NNS and CC fathers NNS should MD pass VV on IN mines NNS awareness NN information NN to TO their PP$ wives NNS and CC daughters NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ no DT way NN of IN checking VVG whether IN this DT is VBZ happening VVG , , and CC if IN it PP is VBZ , , whether IN the DT information NN being VBG passed VVN on IN is VBZ accurate JJ . SENT In IN Kandahar NP , , Jalalabad NP , , and CC elsewhere RB , , mines NNS awareness NN teams NNS are VBP starting VVG to TO tackle VV the DT problem NN of IN reaching VVG women NNS by IN using VVG the DT imperfect JJ methods NNS of IN a DT loudhailer NN on IN trucks NNS , , blaring VVG out RP information NN over IN the DT walls NNS of IN family NN compounds NNS . SENT and CC trying VVG to TO target VV women NNS visiting VVG health NN clinics NNS with IN brief JJ mines NNS awareness NN messages NNS . SENT M NP decins NNS Sans NP Fronti NP res NN is VBZ supporting VVG attempts NNS by IN OMAR NP to TO reach VV women NNS with IN mines NNS awareness NN messages NNS through IN the DT MSF NP clinic NN in IN Herat NN . SENT Reaching VVG Nomads NNS Because IN of IN their PP$ lifestyle NN , , Kuchis NP nomads NNS are VBP also RB vulnerable JJ . SENT They PP are VBP extremely RB difficult JJ to TO reach VV with IN mines NNS awareness NN messages NNS . SENT Roaming VVG for IN hundreds NNS of IN kilometers NNS over IN the DT hills NNS and CC plains NNS of IN Afghanistan NP with IN their PP$ camels NNS , , donkeys NNS , , dogs NNS and CC herds NNS of IN sheep NN and CC goats NNS , , Kuchis NP settle VVP where WRB the DT grazing NN is VBZ good JJ then RB move NN on IN after IN a DT few JJ days NNS or CC weeks NNS . SENT They PP are VBP usually RB illiterate JJ . SENT Until IN recently RB they PP have VHP fallen VVN outside IN the DT scope NN of IN mines NNS awareness NN training NN . SENT Handicap NN International NP is VBZ trying VVG , , with IN a DT new JJ project NN around IN Kandahar NP , , to TO trace VV the DT traditional JJ migration NN patterns NNS of IN the DT Kuchis NP in IN order NN to TO discover VV certain JJ commonly RB used VVN paths NNS . SENT Mines NP awareness NN training NN will MD be VB established VVN on IN these DT paths NNS . SENT Using VVG the DT Media NP Newspapers NP , , TV NP , , and CC radio NN have VHP all RB been VBN used VVN by IN the DT mines NNS awareness NN program NN in IN Afghanistan NP to TO put VV across IN mines NNS awareness NN messages NNS . SENT The DT use NN of IN TV NN is VBZ now RB forbidden VVN in IN Taliban NP controlled VVN areas NNS , , and CC newspapers NNS reach VVP only RB relatively RB few JJ people NNS . SENT Radio NP is VBZ by IN far RB the DT most RBS useful JJ medium NN for IN reaching VVG large JJ numbers NNS of IN people NNS . SENT The DT BBC NP Pashto NN and CC Persian NP Service NP runs VVZ a DT popular JJ educational JJ soap NN opera NN called VVD New NP Home NP , , New NP Life NP which WDT carries VVZ messages NNS on IN a DT range NN of IN subjects NNS , , from IN how WRB to TO avoid VV malaria NN to TO the DT benefits NNS of IN immunization NN . SENT After IN discussions NNS with IN mines NNS awareness NN trainers NNS in IN Afghanistan NP , , story NN lines NNS also RB carry VVP mines NNS awareness NN messages NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , a DT recent JJ story NN line NN followed VVN Jandad NP , , a DT young JJ shepherd NN boy NN who WP crossed VVD a DT line NN of IN red JJ painted JJ rocks NNS with IN his PP$ herd NN , , and CC was VBD injured VVN by IN a DT mine NN . SENT Radio NP is VBZ also RB a DT good JJ way NN to TO reach VV women NNS . SENT Targeting VVG Refugees NNS Because IN they PP are VBP on IN the DT move NN , , and CC because IN they PP do VVP not RB know VV where WRB danger NN areas NNS are VBP , , returning VVG refugees NNS are VBP amongst IN those DT most JJS at IN risk NN of IN mines NNS explosions NNS . SENT Refugees NNS passing VVG through IN UNHCR NP border NN Encashment NN Centers VVZ between IN Iran NP and CC Afghanistan NP where WRB they PP receive VVP a DT repatriation NN kit NN before IN reentering VVG Afghanistan NP receive VV their PP$ kit NN only RB after IN they PP have VHP a DT certificate NN proving VVG they PP have VHP taken VVN a DT short JJ mines NNS awareness NN course NN given VVN by IN the DT Refugees NNS Relief NP Group NP of IN Ansar NP . SENT OMAR NP use VVP a DT similar JJ system NN at IN the DT main JJ crossing VVG points NNS between IN Pakistan NP and CC Afghanistan NP . SENT The DT International NP Rescue NN Committee NP is VBZ conducting VVG mines NNS awareness NN education NN in IN schools NNS in IN the DT refugee NN camps NNS in IN Peshawar NP in IN northern JJ Pakistan NP . SENT Back RB to TO top VV Stopping VVG Future JJ Use NN The DT need NN to TO ban VV landmines NNS in IN Afghanistan NP is VBZ underlined VVD by IN reports NNS of IN new JJ mines NNS being VBG laid VVN during IN recent JJ fighting NN around IN the DT Salang NP Pass NP , , while IN old JJ mines NNS are VBP being VBG cleared VVN 100 CD kms NNS to TO the DT south NN in IN Kabul NP . SENT Although IN the DT scale NN of IN current JJ mine NN use NN does VVZ not RB approach VV that IN during IN the DT Soviet JJ occupation NN , , the DT problem NN in IN Afghanistan NP carries VVZ on IN growing VVG . SENT The DT Afghan JJ Campaign NN to TO Ban NP Landmines NNS ACBL NP includes VVZ numerous JJ NGOs NNS involved VVN in IN demining NN , , mines NNS awareness NN , , and CC the DT medical JJ response NN to TO landmines NNS in IN Afghanistan NP . SENT MSF NP is VBZ a DT member NN of IN the DT ACBL NP . SENT The DT Campaign NN was VBD established VVN to TO . SENT Support VV the DT International NP Campaign NP to TO Ban NP Landmines NNS Encourage VVP the DT warring VVG factions NNS within IN Afghanistan NP to TO refrain VV from IN using VVG mines NNS Promote VV international JJ awareness NN about IN the DT mine JJ problem NN in IN Afghanistan NP Attract VVP financial JJ support NN for IN mine JJ clearance NN activities NNS in IN Afghanistan NP The NP ACBL NP meets VVZ with IN governors NNS and CC commanders NNS in IN Afghanistan NP to TO educate VV them PP about IN the DT problems NNS caused VVN by IN mine NN use NN , , and CC to TO urge VV them PP not RB to TO use VV mines NNS . SENT The DT ACBL NP is VBZ working VVG towards IN an DT end NN to TO mine NN production NN , , possession NN , , transfer NN , , and CC use NN in IN Afghanistan NP and CC internationally RB . SENT Back RB to TO top JJ Conclusion NN Mines NPS continue VVP to TO haunt VV Afghanistan's JJ recovery NN after IN long JJ years NNS of IN war NN . SENT The DT process NN of IN clearing VVG the DT mines NNS is VBZ proving VVG vastly RB expensive JJ for IN one CD of IN the DT world's JJ poorest JJS countries NNS . SENT Mines NNS have VHP an DT insidious JJ health NN impact NN on IN Afghan JJ communities NNS . SENT Lost VVN agricultural JJ production NN , , useless JJ grazing NN land NN , , and CC deadly JJ irrigation NN systems NNS lead VVP to TO malnutrition NN , , ill JJ health NN and CC increased JJ poverty NN . SENT Afghanistan NP stands VVZ as IN a DT good JJ example NN of IN the DT effects NNS of IN landmines NNS . SENT The DT deminers NNS will MD need VV to TO work VV for IN at IN least JJS another DT fifteen CD years NNS to TO clear VV the DT known VVN mined VVN areas NNS . SENT In IN the DT meantime NN , , large JJ areas NNS of IN the DT country NN will MD remain VV crippled VVN . SENT The DT case NN of IN Afghanistan NP must MD act VV as IN a DT spur NN for IN international JJ action NN . SENT As IN a DT result NN of IN Canadian JJ leadership NN , , governments NNS have VHP the DT chance NN to TO act VV in IN 1997 CD , , and CC finally RB to TO ban VV anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS completely RB . SENT This DT opportunity NN must MD be VB grasped VVN to TO prevent VV more JJR counties NNS becoming VVG mine NN infested VVN like IN Afghanistan NP , , and CC to TO take VV a DT vital JJ step NN towards IN eliminating VVG landmines NNS from IN the DT world NN . SENT In IN Ottawa NP in IN December NP 1997 CD , , MSF NP supports VVZ a DT comprehensive JJ ban NN on IN the DT production NN , , possession NN , , transfer NN and CC use NN of IN anti JJ personnel NNS mines NNS . SENT 2005 CD Doctors NNS Without IN Borders NP M NP decins NNS Sans NP Fronti NP res NN MSF NP