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Tajikistan Mine Action CentreUnited Nations Development Programme
121 S. Ayni Str., 734013
Dushanbe, Tajikistan,
E-mail: mineaction.tajikistan@undp.org
URL: www.mineaction.tj
Tel/Fax: (992 37) 227-0947, 221-6687
Ҳамкорӣ
There are a number of organizations, at both national and international level, involved in the Mine Risk Education Programme in Tajikistan.
Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST) is one of the oldest humanitarian organizations in the country, providing assistance to people in need since 1927. The National Society (NS) plays a significant role in providing humanitarian assistance to victims of disasters such as floods, landslides, droughts etc. At the end of 2001 and the beginning of 2002 RCST took the initiative to raise the awareness of people living in landmine contaminated communities. These were the first activities of Mine Risk Education Programme (MRE) Programme, which started in the North of Tajikistan with the support of International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC). Since 2001 The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST) has implemented community MRE projects in partnership with all levels of government to reduce the risk of death or injury caused by the presence of landmines and ERW in the Republic of Tajikistan. During many years RCST has involved 64 branches and over 8000 volunteers in the implementation of different programs. RCST branches into district levels and a set of volunteers at a community level have been involved in the implementation of RCST–MRE Programme as well. Starting from 2001 ICRC has being supporting RCST in raising awareness of people living in contaminated communities on mine/UXO hazards and has educated them on safe-behaviour rules. During the past years RCST –MRE Programme was supported by UNDP/TMAC, SDC and other donors that significantly impacted behaviour of people forced to live in contaminated areas. For the purpose of qualitative implementation of MRE programme RCST\ICRC has close cooperation with its main partner TMAC and other governmental, non-governmental and international organizations like UNDP, FSD, NPA, OSCE, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health ,etc.
Since 2007 RCST–MRE programme has acted mainly in 7 districts of Khatlon region. The programme was started in the North of the county because of the high number of landmine detonations in this region, particularly in Sughd Oblast. In both Khatlon and Sughd regions, the RCST MRE programme has over 27 MRE volunteers who are paid incentives such as transport costs by ICRC for visits to remote contaminated villages. The level of risk from landmines and UXO remains high and the number of risk groups (shepherds, firewood collectors, field workers etc.) has increased in some areas due to labour migrants. Incoming migrants are not aware of risks from landmines and mine contaminated areas. They also do not fully perceive the risk from landmines and UXOs. Such migrants may become victims of landmines through being involved in seasonal activities such as, harvest and crop-gathering, wood gathering, hunting, etc. This factor, as well as associated reasons require more joint effort to create an effective response to the risks posed by hidden landmines and UXO.
Fortunately, TMAC supported the RCST- MRE programme in the 4 months from September to December. The program covers 6 border districts (Panjakent, Ainy, Shahriston, Asht, Konibodom and Isfara) of Sughd region (Uzbek border) and 5 districts (Gharm, Nurobod, Tojikobod, Jirgatol and Tavildara) of Rasht valley. The project covers all categories of community member (boys, girls, men, women, shepherds, hunters, mine\UXO victims, representatives of sub-districts, etc.) According to statistics gathered by RCST-MRE volunteers, a mine accident happened in Tajik –Uzbek border at the beginning of 2011 and two detonations of unknown explosive devices occurred last year in the Rasht valley. In each, two citizens were killed and others were injured. The projects received financial support from TMAC during the second half of 2011, when the cold season began, which made the field trips to high mountainous areas somewhat difficult.
UNICEF conducted MRE in schools until 2007 when responsibility was handed over to the UNDP TMAC MRE department. Before withdrawing from delivering MRE, UNICEF provided MRE materials to be used in schools, and trained instructors in cooperation with the Ministry of Education in an effort to create a sustainable MRE resource. TMAC developed the institutional capacity of local institutions to plan and deliver Mine Risk Education in the country. A significant partner is the Ministry of Education, which implemented the project and provided guidance and training on MRE for focal points in rural districts. Teachers and students in targeted schools were trained by teacher-facilitators. Representatives of the Education Department carried out monitoring activities in the field. Members of the Parents Teachers Association and community leaders were also involved in promoting MRE in communities.
TMAC Mine Risk Education department developed the structure within educational system for effective implementation of the methodology. The Ministry of Education, school teachers, parents committees expect to continue this project until the last landmine is destroyed. Due to UNICEF support on contribution the first strategic goal: “To reduce civilian casualties” the level of mine accident has decreased among children and youth in six districts.
TMAC also works with the Government of Tajikistan at the national, regional, district and sub district level. Through schools, the Ministry of Education is involved in the delivery of MRE which is part of the official curriculum, although the attention given to MRE in individual schools is determined by each school’s director. In addition to partners, TMAC cooperates with other organizations to extend MRE, conduct advocacy activities to local and national media to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and ERW.
Handicap International funded and conducted the Survey on Knowledge, Attitude & Practice (KAP) survey in 2010 and at the end of 2011 funded a consultant with expertise in Mine Risk Education to assist in the development of strategic plan for MRE for 2012-2015.
A KAP survey conducted by HI in 2010 in 3 districts in the Sughd region concluded that the majority of the people were aware of the contamination and avoided dangerous areas. The main losses were livestock, which is a significant economic loss. However, shepherds and those crossing the border illegally to avoid the charges at legal border crossings were recognized as putting themselves at risk. Newcomers to the area, or people who did not visit contaminated areas very often, and were unfamiliar with them, were also considered to be at risk.
