Recently, three children were reportedly killed and two others wounded when a grenade exploded in Mellit, North Darfur. To reduce the occurrence of such incidents, from July – October 2015, UNAMID’s Ordnance Disposal Office (ODO) has conducted more than 294 educational programmes on Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) targeting local communities, especially children, across Darfur.

“Risk education teams have been active in all five states of Darfur and responsible for raising awareness at all levels,” stated Shaza Ragab, UNAMID ODO focal point on ERW risk education, North Darfur.

Ms. Ragab revealed that UNAMID ODO visited schools and sensitized children through drama and songs and other art forms of community theatre on the dangers of ERW. “Through cogent collaboration and coordination with the Ministry of Education, ODO trains teachers on approaches, knowledge and precautions on ERW. They, in turn, impart this knowledge to the local community,” she explained. 

Additionally, since radio is the most common and effective medium of information and communication in Darfur, ODO usually informs, educates and communicates to the people of Darfur on safer behaviours through live and recorded programmes broadcast by UNAMID Radio on Darfur FM Radio, which reaches more than two million people in Darfur.

“It is also our responsibility to clear the contaminated areas of ERW and make them safe so that people can go about their normal activities without fear or threat,” she added.

Beside education and sensitization campaigns and destruction of ERW, UNAMID ODO has also been supporting victims/survivors of ERW through psychological counselling, treatment and vocational training.