Mines : a perverse use of technology.

Cover title

A tragedy too often forgotten among the many experienced by a population involved in armed conflict is the havoc wrought by mines, millions of which lie on or in the ground, spreading terror for years or even decades after the hostilities have ended. Every year, in numerous war-torn countries, thousands of men, women and children are victims of mines. Some of the mines are simple devices, while others make use of advanced technology. But all of them kill or cause severe mutilation. That this form of warfare, often extremely pernicious, is used indiscriminately must be deplored. Fortunately, a number of organizations are now turning their attention to this tragic problem. The rose of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is first to gain respect for international humanitarian law, which prohibits the indiscriminate use of mines, as well as the deliberate endangering of the lives or health of civilians, and all serious and lasting damage to the environment. In addition, in cooperation with other bodies, the ICRC endeavours to help the victims of mines by setting up surgical and orthopaedic centres in countries where there are conflicts, in order to treat and rehabilitate those who have been disabled and ensure that they are able to walk again. Furthermore, the institution considers that it has the duty to point out to the international community the immense effort needed to eliminate all mines in the areas affected