Saving Lives When Disaster Strikes
Our mission to protect civilians amidst the devastation
"Last year showed the dangers of armed conflicts and the devastating impact this has on the lives of ordinary civilians. Emergencies come in different forms and have various causes, but they all require a quick response. Thanks to your support, we were able to respond when these challenges arose. When a burst dam caused landmines to be swept up in flood waters, and when bombs fell in Gaza, we were able to quickly distribute lifesaving information."
Darren CormackChief Executive at MAG
The last two years have unfolded against a backdrop of seemingly nonstop conflicts involving a widespread impact on civilians.
The news often brings horrifying updates from Ukraine and Gaza, but there are also many more hidden, ongoing crises which do not command the headlines but are equally devastating.
Alongside some powerful testimony from members of staff, we are proud to have contributed to the Mine Ban Treaty and the International Political Declaration on the use of Explosive Weapons In Populated Areas.
Yet sadly, the problems of civilians caught up in conflict are not consigned to the history books. From Syria to Myanmar – and too many places in between – many of our staff can attest to the horror of living under the relentless bombs.
Together, we will bring change, hope and a safer future to people affected by conflict.
“No child should grow up as I did
in fear and danger from bombs.”
MAG Team Member2022
Help fund a brave deminer like Nika
Nika is training to be a deminer and a team leader in Mykolaiv, Ukraine.
Nika needs her lifesaving equipment to stay safe whilst clearing landmines and unexploded bombs.
Nika woke up on 24 February 2022 to the sound of explosions and from that moment on, normal life was replaced by the chaos and dangers of conflict.
As the bombs continued to rain down on her community in Ukraine, a new morning routine was established – making calls to family and friends to check they had survived the previous night’s attack. She has survived cluster bombs being dropped on her neighbourhood and a missile that landed close to her home.
Nika knows that people’s lives and livelihoods remain at risk from the many bombs that failed to detonate and from landmines buried in fields where crops should be growing. It’s why she joined MAG – to help the people of Ukraine survive and rebuild their lives.
“It makes me feel good to be part of a team working to help Ukraine recover. I know how much people in the villages need help. I know that my work, and the work of all deminers, will give people a chance to live their lives and work in their fields so that they can feed their family and all of Ukraine. As soon as the land is made safe, they will have a chance to start a new life, to rebuild their houses, to go out with their children and just live like people deserve to live.”
October saw a fresh outbreak of hostilities in Gaza, putting millions of people in terrible danger as explosive weapons were used extensively. The scenes that unfolded were horrifying. Nearly 70% of the casualties have been women and children. In just three months, a staggering 20,000 people lost their lives.
In the face of such widespread bombing, we needed to respond immediately. We launched an emergency appeal, raising funds to deliver lifesaving risk education messages to people in the area through social media.
Over 1.4 million people in Gaza have been reached with these messages, despite the challenges caused by electricity cuts and blackouts.
Conflict can break out in a moment, but can take years to resolve. Our staff are committed to helping communities affected by conflict for as long as it takes.
