Japan supports mine action in El Mechref in El Chouf District- Mount Lebanon

Handicap International Federation (HI), to enhance community safety by clearing explosive remnants of war in El Mechref village, Chouf district. On August 6, 2024, Ambassador MAGOSHI Masayuki signed a grant contract with Mr. Aurelien Thienpont, Country Manager of HI. HI has been actively working in Lebanon to clear landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ordnance, in collaboration with Japan on several demining projects. The El Chouf district, which is contaminated with over 760,000 square meters of hazardous materials, is a priority for the Lebanese Mine Action Center (LMAC). This contamination impacts local communities and refugees, particularly in Mechref village, where Rafik Hariri University hosts over 2,000 students per semester. The presence of landmines and explosive remnants near the university and a gravity water tank serving 15,000 people poses significant risks. HI will deploy a clearance team to address these hazards, essential for ensuring the safety of students and the community. Clearing this area will also support future development projects at the university, such as green spaces and recreational facilities, enhancing the campus environment and potentially attracting new academic opportunities. Through this initiative, Japancontinues to be committed to restoring security and enabling development in affected regions. At the signing ceremony, Ambassador MAGOSHI commented HI's enormous efforts in mine action, and noted Japan's keenness to support the Lebanese Mine Action Center (LMAC)through its assistance to HI. For his part, Mr. Thienpontexpressed his appreciation for Japan's continuous support and stressed the importance of this project by emphasizing on its positive and direct impact on the lives of the people and the community. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon