Saving Lives When Disaster Strikes
Our mission to protect civilians amidst the devastation
"Last year showed the dangers of armed conflicts and the devastating impact this has on the lives of ordinary civilians. Emergencies come in different forms and have various causes, but they all require a quick response. Thanks to your support, we were able to respond when these challenges arose. When a burst dam caused landmines to be swept up in flood waters, and when bombs fell in Gaza, we were able to quickly distribute lifesaving information."
Darren CormackChief Executive at MAG
The last two years have unfolded against a backdrop of seemingly nonstop conflicts involving a widespread impact on civilians.
The news often brings horrifying updates from Ukraine and Gaza, but there are also many more hidden, ongoing crises which do not command the headlines but are equally devastating.
Alongside some powerful testimony from members of staff, we are proud to have contributed to the Mine Ban Treaty and the International Political Declaration on the use of Explosive Weapons In Populated Areas.
Yet sadly, the problems of civilians caught up in conflict are not consigned to the history books. From Syria to Myanmar – and too many places in between – many of our staff can attest to the horror of living under the relentless bombs.
Together, we will bring change, hope and a safer future to people affected by conflict.
“No child should grow up as I did
in fear and danger from bombs.”
MAG Team MemberUkraine, 2022
Nika
A Q&A with Ukraine Trainee Deminer
Nika is training to be a deminer and a team leader in Mykolaiv, Ukraine.
Q: What is your role with MAG?
I’m learning to use a detector and find mines. We have drivers, fishermen – people with normal lives before the war, and now we are learning to use our detectors and safely remove mines. It’s changed our lives completely.
Q: What is your situation like?
My family have moved to Germany so unfortunately I can’t see them. A lot of people moved away, but once they started coming back, we found a problem – minefields. Drive out of my city and you can see a lot of mines. You don’t even need to leave the main roads – you can see them with your own eyes.
Q: What do you want to see happen in 2024?
I’m really happy that MAG is working the land where I grew up and where my grandparents were born, but there are other territories that are waiting and waiting for clearance. We need more teams. I would love to see deminers working those areas.
Q: What would you like to say to supporters?
The donations help so much. Our villages don’t look like they used to. It breaks my heart. As soon as we start demining, they will have a chance to start a new life, to rebuild their houses, to go out with their children and just live like people deserve to live.
October saw a fresh outbreak of hostilities in Gaza, putting millions of people in terrible danger as explosive weapons were used extensively. The scenes that unfolded were horrifying. Nearly 70% of the casualties have been women and children. In just three months, a staggering 20,000 people lost their lives.
In the face of such widespread bombing, we needed to respond immediately. We launched an emergency appeal, raising funds to deliver lifesaving risk education messages to people in the area through social media.
Over 1.4 million people in Gaza have been reached with these messages, despite the challenges caused by electricity cuts and blackouts.
Conflict can break out in a moment, but can take years to resolve. Our staff are committed to helping communities affected by conflict for as long as it takes.
