In excess of seventy million landmines worldwide. More than 68 people killed or injured each day. Landmines contaminating more than 70 countries, most often in areas inhabited by the poorest populations who depend on the land for their very existence. The numbers are staggering, almost beyond comprehension. The toll landmines take is greater still when you consider the total economic cost of infrastructure destroyed, agricultural areas devastated and medical costs for people maimed or killed.

At CARE, we believe the problem of landmines cannot be distilled into mere statistics, such as the amount of land cleared or total numbers of mines removed. Even small pockets of landmines can bring an area's rehabilitation and development to a standstill, preventing resettlement activity and blocking access to markets, sanitary water, basic healthcare and immunizations, and education.

This report gives a summary of the unique landmine action and awareness programs CARE was involved in during 1999. Unique because common to each is CARE's commitment to implementing mine awareness and action programs that tie into the larger context of humanitarian relief and rehabilitation efforts. CARE mine programs are designed and implemented in close coordination with affected populations, to assist them achieve greater productivity, renew access to markets and essential services, and reduce reliance on outside aid.

At CARE we are grateful for the support we have received and excited about future projects. We hope that, after learning more about the wide variety of successful approaches to reducing landmine threats, you will contact us to find out how you may help.

Click here to read CARE's report on recent humanitarian landmine initiatives. Please be patient while the document downloads.

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