The campaign “Spreman, spašen” began today in Sarajevo, whose goal is to point out the necessities of being aware of the actions that would reduce the risk of natural and other disasters.
This campaign is part of a project “Disaster risk reduction and safety of children” that is implemented by UNICEF BiH and in cooperation with the BiH Ministry of Security.
“Disasters mostly affect children, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and inequalities. On average, at least half of those who die in disasters are children and they could suffer from acute and long-term physical and mental trauma’’, said the representative of UNICEF to BiH Florence Bauer.
She added that as a consequences, providing safety to children before, during and after natural disasters or other disasters has to be a priority, and after the disaster all efforts have to be exerted so that children could return to a normal life and routine, including return to school.
The BiH Ministry of Security is dedicated to disaster risk reduction through risk assessment, planning, equipping and strengthening the structure of the entire awareness of risks in the area of disaster.
“Our joint task is to inform and train children and adults in local communities on prevention measures in the protection from natural disasters and other disasters and of the ways in which they can best protect themselves’’, said the Assistant Minister of Security of BIH for Protection and Rescue Samir Agić.
Presenting the results of research knowledge and behaviors related to natural disasters and other disasters, conducted in the municipalities of Tuzla and Bijeljina, the representative of the Agency Via Media Edin Čalkić said that the results show that the level of knowledge on natural and other disasters on people is not satisfactory, and that students do not possess enough knowledge and schools do not devote enough attention to this issue.
Since this is a public interest campaign, it was pointed out that joint effort is important to raise public awareness on natural and other disasters and ways in which to reduce risks and to promote the safety of children, especially through schools.
Therefore, a photo contest was announced on the topic “Consequences of natural disasters in BiH, risks and prevention” that will begin on 1 May and last until 1 July, and takes place on the official Facebook campaign page “www.facebook.com/spremanspasen.
It is necessary that photos illustrate the potential or risks and identify any preventative measures for the effective elimination of risks or consequences of natural disasters. The competition is open in two categories: professional photography (journalists, photo-reporters) and amateur photographs (citizen photojournalism).
(Source: Fena)
