In support of its campaign against the mass bombing of civilians, Handicap International will be creating a Pyramid of Shoes in Place d'Armes in Luxembourg City on 3 October 2015.
The use of explosive weapons in populated areas has become common practice in current conflicts, and has resulted in 90% of civilian casulaties caused by this form of armed combat.
It is these unnecessary lost lives which have prompted Amnesty International to hold an awareness campaign in Place d'Armes, part of which will be transformed into an urban area devastated by conflict. Graffiti artist David Soner will be present to draw on the help of passers-by in the creation of a huge fresco against mass civilian bombing.
As well as awareness activities, the event will feature professional deminers who will be available to inform the public of the problem of explosive weapons and their subsequent impact on civilians, as well as answer any questions.
In addition, visitors can engage with Handicap International's field team and discover the humanitarian actions done by the association to help civil populations devastated by conflict and displacement.
Last year the Pyramid of Shoes event also comprised a small drama sketch from the students of Belvaux-Poste entitled 'Regards des Enfants - Un Spectacle Contre les Bombes' and the for 16th edition visitors will be able to view the exhibition 'Crise Syrienne, Un Avenir Mutilé' ('The Syrian Crisis, A Mutilated Future'), highlighting the stories of Syrian refugees Mohamad, aged 8; Ahmad, aged 10; and Aysha, aged 68.
The campaign will also offer the important opportunity for members of the public to put their name to ending civilian bombing by signing Handicap International's petition. As in previous years, the public is invited to contribute their old shoes and help create a huge pyramid to send a message against the use of explosive weapons. This powerful symbol has also previously been drawn upon by participating schools such as Lycée de Garçons Esch and Lycée Vauban, as a means of fighting against the acts of civilian bombing which claim far too many innocent lives.
Poster by Handicap International
