o mark the entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty/Ottawa Convention Afghan Landmine Survivors Organization (ALSO) as part of ALSO’s Lend your Leg (LYL) activities, organized Survivors Swimming Match in Kabul It was the first time that such an event took place in Afghanistan, therefore it drew great attention among government authorities and media.

The objective of the event was to promote victim assistance and draw attention about ongoing challenges caused by landmines in Afghanistan. The slogans we used were: We support a Mine Free Afghanistan and No More New Landmine Victim. Over 100 people attended the event including survivors, head of National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan, head of Paralympic, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Women Affair, several parliamentarians, disability/VA network members, athletes and media representatives.

The event kicked off with speeches. Rahmatullah Merzayee from ALSO spoke about the Mine Ban Treaty, its achievements and challenges including the ongoing threat caused by landmines in Afghanistan as well as he highlighted the needs of survivors and persons with disabilities. He called on government to take bold measure for development of national legislation for effective implementation of MBT and for addressing the rights of survivors.

The head of Olympic Committee, Senator Sultani and head of Para-Olympic spoke and expressed their appreciations for ALSOs efforts in promoting rights of survivors and working for a mine free Afghanistan. They encouraged survivors to do sports as this a good way to promote social inclusion of survivors and other persons with disabilities.

Following the speeches, the match started.  Eight Survivors (all amputees) participated in the match. A double leg amputee landmine survivor won first position and a double arm amputee won second position. The winners were awarded by Afghanistan National Olympic Committee and Afghan Landmine Survivors Organization.

ALSO, Handicap International and Mine Action Coordination Center in Afghanistan are working to also mark the April 4, the mine awareness day. We are planning to organize a big event as part of our Lend Your Leg (LYL) action in Afghanistan