Landmines in Cambodia kill, maim and also rob people of their sight.
Two days agon in Siem Reap we had lunch with a blind beggar and his six-year-old son. The father was being led through the busy streets asking tourists for money. We asked them to join us for lunch and they readily agreed.
The father had lost his right hand and both eyes in a landmine explosion 8 years ago. His son was his caregiver and, though extremely smart, he won’t be able to go to school because he has to care for his dad and, through begging, earn money to survive. There is no mother.
Our Seva staff in Cambodia tell us that in Battambang they see about 100 landmine victims a year needing eye care.
We’re proud that Seva’s honorary patron, Dr. Lloyd Axworthy has done so much to rid the world of this dreadful weapon.
