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Manchester based charity celebrates 20th anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize award

  • Campaign spearheaded by Princess Diana led to landmine ban in 1997
  • Landmines still pose a  threat to 60 milllion people
  • Charity's work has helped over 17.5 million people in war torn countries

Manchester-based landmine charity Mines Advisory Group celebrated the 20th anniversary of Nobel Peace award in a glitzy ceremony at Manchester town hall.

The charity’s crucial work in the 1990s – spearheaded by Princess Diana – resulted in landmines being banned in 1997.

However, they still pose a significant threat to over 60 million people, particularly children, mainly in Africa and Asia.

The group’s role involves going to war-torn countries and clearing landmines, helping communities avoid death or injury, and able to feel safe to return to their normal lives.

Once land has been cleared of mines, it is used for farming, building schools and creating markets that have given economic opportunities back to neglected regions.

MAG chief executive Jane Cocking said: “MAG did and continues to do to help people walk without fear in countries around the world. We are proud to have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, with partners, for our work to ban and clear landmines.”

It is estimated 17.5 million people from over forty countries have benefited from MAG’s work since 1989 when the charity was formed.

On the night, the Lord Mayor held a civic reception including a speech from the charities CEO, Jane Cocking explained the charity’s work and achievements. 

Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Eddy Newman said: “MAG tirelessly continue its lifesaving work 20 years on from its award. Landmines have the potential to indiscriminately kill innocent men, women and children in conflict areas.”