Background:

A team that initially works in the MACC-SL is now preparing a campaign to deal with the problem of mines through getting the citizens and locals involved.

Here is a new Initiative to address humanitarian demining in Lebanon and build momentum for future projects like this around the world.

A concept that is to contribute tremendously to Humanitarian Mine Action while relying more on individual civic contribution rather than on the usual international government aid, and at the same time raise awareness.

The movement will include a series of musical, cultura, social and artistic events that will aim to draw a wide coverage and participation, which will provide a solid support and endorsement, the necessary legitimacy and international recognition all of which would assist in attracting a wider audience to bring attention to this noble cause and will allow for the raising of funds for Mine Action in Lebanon.

Aim:

• Fundraising for Humanitarian Mine Action in Lebanon

• Raise awareness while taking this Landmine problem to the masses

• Bring people together through Music and art to :“Do Something for Humanity”

Target Beneficiaries:

All proceeds of the events will be devoted to Humanitarian Mine Action in Lebanon. The allocation of the funds raised is to be channeled through the UN MACC and to be used solely for this purpose.

The Launching Party of The Movement:

The launching party of the movement was the Dance Mine Action (DMA) initiative that took place in the 21st of November on the independance eve and was a brilliant success.

Over 600 people attended and enjoyed their time while clearly receiving the message of awareness that was presented through different artistic displays and music.

Activities on display included: outdoor in the garden, a creative landmine display took place where various artists volunteered to help and presented displays, installations, paintings and photography.

Indoor, Djs, live band and visual act played starting from seven pm till early in the morning of the next day all related to the theme of MINE Action.

 This picture shows a part of the crowd with some paintings related 
to Mine Action cause

Several national and international media outlets covered the news of the DMA before, during and after the launching party and were all for the favour of this campaign where civil society is involved to say "No" to Mines and "Yes" to their immediate clearance.

Beirut International Marathon

As part of the MACC-SL awareness campaign to inform the public about the problem of mines and the means needed to deal with it, an interactive display of mines/UXO, de-mining tools, maps and brochures were available for the public at the Marathon Village Expo from the 8th till the 12th of November where over 30,000 people attended.

The MACC-SL display witnessed a high level of public attendance as well as national and international Media outlets. Many, including universities organizations and institutions expressed further interest in having such a display in their campus or areas.

Additionally, MACC-SL provided 17 runners for 10k Marathon to run for Mine Action and, in partnership with MAG, another 10 volunteers to manage a refreshment water stand on the Marathon track decorated in the form of a minefield which attracted the attention of both the public and the Media and further raised awareness of the mine problem in Lebanon.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MINE ACTION, 4th of April 2006

GALA DINNER IN SUPPORT OF LANDMINE CLEARANCE IN LEBANON

Recently, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish 4th of April each year as the International Day for “Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action”.
To commemorate the first International Day for “Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action”, the DMA Initiative team of the United Nations Mine Action Co-ordination Centre hosted a Fundraising Gala Dinner (second event) on the 4th of April 2006 at the Bristol Hotel.
Over 300 people attended this Fundraising Gala Dinner.

The event included a promo video, live music/entertainment and a Prize Raffle Draw which raised 14000$ that will go directly to assist landmine clearance in Lebanon.

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Attendees were International and local business people, companies (Lebanese Canadian Bank, BBAC, Bridgestone, Global Holidays, Fidelity Assurances Lebanon, UFA Assurances…), organizations (Al Waleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Association, Lebanese Association for Handicapped, ICRC, Rotary Club…), more than 10 of the international Embassies located in Lebanon (Australia, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Japan, US, Korea, Switzerland, Czech, Italy, Canada, Egypt, Nigeria), General Managers (Rige Lebanese des tabacs et tombacs…), UN agencies (PRSG Officers, OGL, UN MACC, UNIFIL,UNDP CTA) and the former NDO (National Demining Office) director Genr. Salim Raad.

The Gala Dinner was highly covered by different media outlets.

How To Help?

Those of you who feel concerned by the humanitarian fight against Landmines can help through sending funds to the following account number:

Banque: Societe Generale de Banque Au Liban SAL Agence Tyr

RIB: 019.004.361.367140.01.5

Address: B.P.11- 2955 Beirut Lebanon

Take Action!!

Do it For Humanity!

Do It For Lebanon!

For more details,please contact:

Ms. Dalya Farran:

Mobile Number: 00961 3 517 996

E-mail address: info@maccsl.org. farran@un.org