Update: Cluster bombs and more

Thanks to a great comment by a reader, I'm posting some links to more information about cluster bombs, which pose as equally a significant threat to civilians as do landmines. I've also included a link to one of the most action-oriented organizations dedicated to landmine removal.

- The Mine Action Information Center at James Madison University: a thorough resource that not only provides the latest news on landmine and cluster bomb threats around the world, but also publishes The Journal of Mine Action, which offers the latest developments in the field.

- Here's a fascinating but disturbing report from the U.N. on the slow de-mining process in Lebanon where over 1 million cluster bombs remain from the Israeli-Lebanese war in July 2006. Even the technology that detects and removes these weapons can be costly and tricky. About 1,200 Lebanese and 157 Israelis were killed during the Israeli-Lebanese conflict.

- Adopt-A-Minefield: a great resource for those who want to take action on the landmine issue. Adults can host a fundraising dinner with some friends and students can organize simple fundraising events on campus. Perhaps the easiest action to take is to Donate as your budget allows or to actually Adopt-A-Minefield in your name.

- Finally, Adopt-A-Minefield offers one of the best factsheets I've seen on the issue, reporting that 35-40 million landmines remain in 82 countries and that 90% of all landmine victims are civilians. About 30% of all victims are children, or 8,000 - 10,000 children annually. While progress has been made in some countries, much more work remains in others.

As always, thanks for taking action on this issue and for posting your comments. Thanks for speaking out and spreading the word about this blog. And thanks for sharing Our Common Concern.