wfn.org | Canadian Support for ADRA Landmine Victim

[APD_Info_Schweiz@compuserve.com]

Rehabilitation 

April 8, 2000
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
07/2000

ADRA Landmine Victim Rehabilitation Receives 
Support From Canada

Ottawa, Canada. 06.04.2000/APD    The Canadian 
government announced it is contributing more than 
US$170,000 to rehabilitation and vocational 
services for victims of landmines in Yemen through 
the Adventist Development and Relief Agency 
(ADRA). Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy 
and International Co-operation Minister Maria 
Minna announced the contribution on Friday, March 
31, during the Canadian visit of Yemeni President 
Ali Abdallah Saleh.

"The widespread deployment of landmines is a human 
tragedy. They continue to kill and maim men, women 
and children long after the end of the conflict," 
Minister Minna said. "The personal cost to the 
victims, their families and communities is 
overwhelming."

The Canadian government will channel the funds 
through ADRA Canada. "ADRA helps landmine victims 
deal with their injury and provides them with 
physical therapy to learn how to use their 
artificial limbs," explains Kay Kierstead, ADRA 
Canada communications co-ordinator. "Later, we 
teach them how to do a special, stationary trade, 
such as accounting or sewing."

"Through this program Canada supports victims of 
landmines in Yemen by helping them rebuild their 
lives and reintegrate into their communities," 
Minister Axworthy added. "In doing so, we can help 
Yemen to come to grips with the deadly legacy of 
landmines and assist society in healing the wounds 
left by years of conflict." Yemeni officials 
estimate that a total of half a million landmines 
have been planted in the country over the past 40 
years, during periods of civil unrest.

The new funds bring Canada's total contribution to 
mine action projects in Yemen to nearly US$1.5 
million over the past two years. Funding for this 
initiative was reportedly provided for in the 
February 2000 federal budget and is therefore 
built into the existing fiscal framework. The 
local minister, Pastor Orlando Patterson, is 
working with other counsellors to try to bring 
comfort to a community in shock at the violence of 
this tragic event, comments Gordon.  "We 
appreciate the support we have received at this 
time of sorrow in our community."