NNA - Lebanon’s Civil Defence held a workshop in Beirut titled "Together for a Safer Community: Strengthening Awareness of Explosive Ordnance Risks Across Lebanon," in cooperation with the Ministry of Information, the Belgian Embassy and the Lebanese Mine Action Center.

Information Minister Paul Morcos highlighted the shared risks faced by journalists and Civil Defence personnel, saying both work on the front lines to save lives and document the truth. He stressed the need to equip media professionals with the knowledge required to safely operate in areas contaminated by unexploded ordnance, while expressing hope that political efforts to restore stability would reduce such dangers.

Belgian Ambassador Arnout Pauwels reaffirmed his country’s support for Lebanon, praising the work of journalists and emergency responders during the ongoing conflict. He described accurate reporting as essential for documenting violations of international humanitarian law and underscored the importance of mine-risk education in protecting civilians. Pauwels also welcomed Lebanon’s accession to the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, calling it a significant humanitarian commitment.

Civil Defence Director General Brig. Gen. Imad Khreiss paid tribute to journalists and emergency responders killed in the line of duty, saying the training aimed to enhance reporters’ safety while covering affected areas. He noted that Civil Defence had carried out more than 30,000 missions during the war and called for close coordination with mine-action specialists to identify hazardous areas and prevent further casualties.

The workshop also featured a technical awareness session led by Lebanese Mine Action Center official Col. Ali Makki on the dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance.