As part of its mobilisation and awareness campaign against the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, Handicap International met with nearly 70 students aged 13-14 years old at the French Lycée Vauban on Thursday 17 September 2015.
The aim of the session was to explain to the younger generation the issues of bombing in populated areas, as well as its consequences and the reasons behind putting a stop to the practice.
Martin Lagneau, Director of Handicap International and Philip Houliat, professional minesweeper for the organisation, were present to answer the students' questions regarding this complex subject, as well as share their experiences in the field.
To explain and illustrate the topic, the speakers offered the concrete example of the current conflict in Syria. After watching the testimony of Yussef, a 14-year-old Syrian victim whose leg has to be amputated after his home was bombed, one student said:
"It is shocking to see someone our age in such a situation, we understand better why these people are looking at all costs to leave their country and take refuge with us".
The awareness session allowed students to better grasp the threat of weapons through precise explanation, photos of support on the ground and from professional deminer at Handicap International, Philippe Houliat, which demonstrated the catastrophic situation of the Syrian city of Kobanî which was 80% destroyed by bombing.
The concepts of international humanitarian law, of treaties banning weapons as well as landmines and cluster bombs, and helping victims of war elicited numerous questions from the young audience. Handicap International reported the session as a success, stating that following the intervention the school will organise a mini shoe-pyramid from 21 to 25 September 2015 ahead of Handicap International's own one on Saturday 3 October.
History and geography teachers at the school will reportedly continue to address the subject with their students as part of the course curriculum.
Photo by Handicap International
