Today (April 4th, 2011) is an important day here in Colombia as it serves as the International Day for Mine Awareness. It’s a date promoted by the Colombian government and the UN to raise awareness about the issue of mines in Colombia, which have affected many people throughout the country’s history.
The campaign takes on a very unique form; as well as social networking being critical to the success of the message being spread, those in support are encouraged to roll up one leg of their trousers in order to symbolise the damage done by the indiscriminate use of mines. There was also an emotional demonstration in the morning in Bogotá‘s main plaza, Plaza Bolivar.
In addition to the demonstration, the plaza was covered in shoes, cut in half to signify the irrecoverable damage executed by mines. It made for a dramatic and iconic image that transmitted the organisation’s message perfectly. Pictures of the event can be found here.
This issue does not just affect Colombia, and so the importance of this message isn’t just limited to just this country. Mines are a danger all over the world, including the Middle-East, Europe, Africa and Latin America. Colombia’s strong dedication to the cause is more evidence that the country seeks to progress, move forward, and help many Colombian’s and people all over world that have been affected by this problem forge a better future.
See Colombia Travel fully supports the ¡Regángate! cause, and encourages people in Colombia, and all over the world, to roll up their trouser leg in support!
