The Lebanese German University – LGU held a conference on the dangers of mines and cluster bombs on Wednesday 10th April, 2013 at its Campus in Sahel Alma. The conference that was delivered by Colonel Pierre Bou Maroun, the head of the Lebanese Mine Action Center in Nabatieh, was attended by a large number of students and LGU staff.

Colonel Bou Maroun spoke about the persistent dangers of mines considering the wide areas covered by mines and cluster bombs in Lebanon following the repetitive warfare the country has witnessed over the past 30 years. He stressed the difficulties experts face trying to demine these areas and the need to raise awareness among all Lebanese citizens to prevent casualties. He also urged the audience to abide by the Army directives and display a high sense of responsibility when confronted with potentially dangerous situations. He also brought up the various misconceptions citizens have about mines which often lead to reckless conduct that results in severe injuries and often death.

Colonel Bou Maroun went on to explain the manual and mechanical demining processes involved as well as methods of destroying cluster bombs, displaying pictures on a variety of bombs and elaborating on their persistent danger no matter how long they have been on the Lebanese territory. He explained that some bombs may remain active for over 100 years. He also displayed pictures of bombs in the shape of familiar objects such as telephones or children’s stuffed animals or toys.

Finally, an explanation of the warning signs that citizens must abide by in order to keep out of dangerous areas was delivered and a recapitulating movie was shown on prevention measures to be taken by all citizens to avoid threats caused by mines and cluster bombs.