In order to mitigate threats posed by unexploded ordnances (UXOs) from the recent conflict to vulnerable communities, UNIFIL’s Indian peacekeepers carried out an awareness campaign recently reaching 220 schoolchildren from three public schools in south Lebanon.

In coordination with the Lebanon Mine Action Centre (LMAC), UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and a local NGO “SHEILD Association”, UNIFIL peacekeepers delivered educational sessions at public schools in El Mari, El Hebbariye and Shab’a reaching children from grades 3 to 10. 

Each session included a comprehensive presentation on the risks associated with UXOs, with particular emphasis on the signs and dangers children should be aware of. The children also received storybooks, created in partnership with the NGO, featuring safety information through storytelling. 

Major Ranjan Singh Bhanuka of the Indian contingent, who was involved in the organization of these sessions, said the project aligns with UNIFIL’s current priority of supporting Lebanese authorities to deal with unexploded ordnances in south Lebanon.

“In order to ensure protection of civilians, we are raising this awareness among children so if they encounter an UXO threat, they don’t get harmed,” he said. “Our primary goal is to spread awareness about the dangers of UXOs and educate children on how to identify and avoid these hazards.”

Programme Manager of UNMAS-Lebanon, Julie Myers, said the awareness campaign targeting children is especially significant due to the fact that “they're very vulnerable, active, curious and impulsive, and at this stage of their development, they don't have a proper ability to assess what risks are.” 

“It's vitally important that the communities and families understand the risks that they could be faced with, and we want to give them that type of awareness to help reduce this threat,” added Ms. Myers. 

LMAC estimates that over 1.7 million civilians across Lebanon face UXO threats, with at least 700,000 people exposed in all of south Lebanon, with a vast majority from the UNIFIL area of operations. 

Major Bhanuka said the Indian contingent will deliver more awareness sessions in the future.

Since the cessation of hostilities agreement of 27 November 2024, UNIFIL has carried out 34 clearance operations in south Lebanon, removing 91 unexploded ordnance (UXOs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). While routine demining activities remain on hold, these efforts are helping to restore safety for peacekeepers, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), local communities, and humanitarian actors.