Roger Arnold

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  • Landmine and trauma victims recieve treatment from staff at the Emergency Life Support For Civilian War Victims hospital in Battambang, Cambodia.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_62.jpg
  • Chhun Sokuntheary, (left) age 30, and  Ouk Khim, (right) age 33, from MAG teach mine risk education to children at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village, Pailin, Cambodia.  The series of banners teaches children how to identify mine and UXO and what to do if they see it. So Hon, age 59, Teacher Headmaster from school at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village said, "In the past, 5 years ago, accidents happened in nearby villages where the chidren are from.  Now there are improvements because the mental health of the community has improved because they don't worry and because land use has expanded development activity."
    Cambodia Female Deminer_47.jpg
  • Sokhon prepares dinner with her daughter Sreymao by her side.  Sokhon's husband, Khhuan Ry, holds another family member behind her...Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family...Sokhon's mother (need her name?) sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house...The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_44.jpg
  • Today, Kheun Sokhon, walks with a confident limp over a hill known as "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield, located 20 kilometers from O'Chheukrom village.  8 male co workers follow behind her.  Four of them are amputees and limp too. Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment they step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ..Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_38.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  ....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_26.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  ....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_23.jpg
  • Sokhon's supervisor, Im Samkul, points to examples of land mines and UXO typically found in Cambodia at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_04.jpg
  • Amputees in rehab at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) centre in Battambang city.  The woman pictured is, Lan Sarum, who lost her leg to landmine in 1990 in Banteay Meanchey Province she as receiving her  5th prosthetic new leg.  The ICRC centre has treated 18,122 cases from 1991 - 2010, most of them amputees.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_61.jpg
  • A shop made from metal in O'Chheukrom village is a sign of increasing prosperity compared to huts made from bamboo and palm leaves.  ...On August 21, 2006, Sokhon and her team started demining O'Chheukrom village. "One of the areas we cleared was where I used to go to collect water with my daughter every day. We found mines everywhere. That was scary", says Sokhon.   By April 5, 2007 the village was finally free of land mines.  69,379 square meters of land was rendered safe.  Sokhon's MAG team found 405 mines, 64 bombs (unexploded ordnance) and 164,213 pieces of fragmentation.  Villagers started farming the area without fear, bringing a sense of relief and prosperity to the community.  ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_52.jpg
  • MAG teach mine risk education to children at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village, Pailin, Cambodia.  The series of banners teaches children how to identify mine and UXO and what to do if they see it. So Hon, age 59, Teacher Headmaster from school at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village said, "In the past, 5 years ago, accidents happened in nearby villages where the chidren are from.  Now there are improvements because the mental health of the community has improved because they don't worry and because land use has expanded development activity."
    Cambodia Female Deminer_49.jpg
  • Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family...Sokhon's mother (need her name?) sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house...The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_43.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". .....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  .....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_29.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_14.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_06.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_07.jpg
  • Children ride to school at the city entrance to Battambang, Cambodia.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_64.jpg
  • Sokhon with her daughter Sreymao and her parents in front of her parents house.....Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family.....Sokhon's mother, Kep Nann, sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house.....The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."....Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, Khhuan Ry, Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_59.jpg
  • Sohkhon puts her daughter Sreymao's hear in a pony tail in front of her house while her husband, Khhuan Ry, stands in the background...Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family...Sokhon's mother (need her name?) sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house...The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_46.jpg
  • An example of a Chinese Type 72 land mine at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield...Later that day one was found a Chinese Type 72 mine was found.  Sokhon's supervisors prepared demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers began announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"
    Cambodia Female Deminer_21.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_19.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_12.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_08.jpg
  • Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, points to examples of land mines and UXO typically found in Cambodia at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_05.jpg
  • Metal hunter Mr. Khamlek at Phonsavan Hospital one day after witnessesing his friend Mr. Pai die from trying to open a bomb near Phou Vieng, Laos, July 7, 2004.  He denied knowing Mr.Pai claiming to be an innocent passerby, hoping to claim relief assistance for those injured accidentally.  Those whose intentionally contact bombs are not elgible for assistance.  His friends and neighbors said he and Mr. Pai were close friends and that he had actually talked his friend, a retired bomb dissassembler, into trying to open the bomb for $15.
    856626.jpg
  • Metal hunter Mr. Khamlek at Phonsavan Hospital one day after witnessesing his friend Mr. Pai die from trying to open a bomb near Phou Vieng, Laos, July 7, 2004.  He denied knowing Mr.Pai claiming to be an innocent passerby, hoping to claim relief assistance for those injured accidentally.  Those whose intentionally contact bombs are not elgible for assistance.  His friends and neighbors said he and Mr. Pai were close friends and that he had actually talked his friend, a retired bomb dissassembler, into trying to open the bomb for $15.
    857900.jpg
  • The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_54.jpg
  • Group photo of Sokhon and other deminers from left to right:  Ngen Sarum (Amputee), Im Samkul (supervisor), Mey Thorn, Hean Sean, Kheun Sokhon (Amputee), Kong Tha, Cheap Yoeurn (Amputee), Sath Samon (Amputee), Sam Khan..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_40.jpg
  • Today, Kheun Sokhon, walks with a confident limp over a hill known as "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield, located 20 kilometers from O'Chheukrom village.  8 male co workers follow behind her.  Four of them are amputees and limp too. Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment they step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ..Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_37.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_17.jpg
  • Female deminers using dogs to detect mines.  The dogs are used in low density minefields.  Metal detectors are used in high density minefields...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_02.jpg
  • Amputees in rehab at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) centre in Battambang city.  The man at center in camouflage is, Pheap Ny, a former soldier for King Sihanouk.  His landmine accident happened in Udomeanchey Province in 1985.  In 1992 he received his first artificial limb now receiving his 5th limb.  The ICRC centre has treated 18,122 cases from 1991 - 2010, most of them amputees.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_60.jpg
  • Sokhon with her daughter Sreymao and her parents.  Sokhon's house is behind them.....Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family.....Sokhon's mother, Kep Nann, sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house.....The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."....Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, Khhuan Ry, Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_57.jpg
  • When Sokhon arrived ICRC staff took photo #8967 for their records.  In it Sokhon looks devastated, scared, and alone.  It is the youngest picture she has of herself.  She admits, "I destroyed all my childhood photos.  I didn't want to remember how I was." ..At the centre, ICRC Supervisor, Lim Horsan, recalls thousand of amputee cases, saying, "They are regarded negatively by society as 'Chon Pika' meaning 'broken person'. But here we refer to them as sister or brother." He estimates 80 to 90% have suicidal thoughts at first. Explaining they think their life is meaningless, a burden to their family, "They know they will be discriminated against by the community. For women becoming an amputee is more difficult - they think they lose their beauty."..The ICRC centre has treated 18,122 cases from 1991 - 2010, most of them amputees
    Cambodia Female Deminer_56.jpg
  • Chhun Sokuntheary, (left) age 30, and  Ouk Khim, (right) age 33, from MAG teach mine risk education to children at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village, Pailin, Cambodia.  The series of banners teaches children how to identify mine and UXO and what to do if they see it. So Hon, age 59, Teacher Headmaster from school at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village said, "In the past, 5 years ago, accidents happened in nearby villages where the chidren are from.  Now there are improvements because the mental health of the community has improved because they don't worry and because land use has expanded development activity."
    Cambodia Female Deminer_48.jpg
  • On the way home Sokhon stops at the local market to shop for dinner, she still has to cook for her family.  She moves between a collection of outdoor bamboo stalls, separated by rutted muddy aisles, selling fresh fish and vegetables.  The shopkeepers joke with Sokhon - a photographer is following her - an unusual sight in Pailin, until recently.  In 2002, Angelina Jolie adopted her first child, Maddox, in Battambong, and started a foundation - bringing a touch of glamour to locals - many of whom now hope to catch a glimpse of the super star.  Sokhon smiles shyly, embarrassed by the attention, but latter she jokes, "I also want to be famous! Do you think Brad Pitt will come to see me?"
    Cambodia Female Deminer_41.jpg
  • After a Chinese Type 72 mine is found.  Sokhon's supervisors prepare demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers begin announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"  ..On a hill 100 meters away farmers harvesting cassava disappear out of sight. Then Sokhon's supervisor connects black demolition wire to a detonator switch.  He blows 3 long whistles followed by 3 short ones. Then he presses the detonator triggering an ear shattering explosion that booms across the valley.  .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_36.jpg
  • After a Chinese Type 72 mine is found.  Sokhon's supervisors prepare demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers begin announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"  ..On a hill 100 meters away farmers harvesting cassava disappear out of sight. Then Sokhon's supervisor connects black demolition wire to a detonator switch.  He blows 3 long whistles followed by 3 short ones. Then he presses the detonator triggering an ear shattering explosion that booms across the valley.  .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_32.jpg
  • Sokhon at work takes a break inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". .....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  .....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_28.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  ....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_24.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_10.jpg
  • Female deminers using dogs to detect mines.  The dogs are used in low density minefields.  Metal detectors are used in high density minefields...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_01.jpg
  • Sokhon prepares dinner with her daughter Sreymao by her side.  Sokhon's husband, Khhuan Ry, holds another family member behind her...Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family...Sokhon's mother (need her name?) sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house...The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_45.jpg
  • After a Chinese Type 72 mine is found.  Sokhon's supervisor, Im Samkul, prepares demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers begin announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"  ..On a hill 100 meters away farmers harvesting cassava disappear out of sight. Then Sokhon's supervisor connects black demolition wire to a detonator switch.  He blows 3 long whistles followed by 3 short ones. Then he presses the detonator triggering an ear shattering explosion that booms across the valley.  .(Sokhon pictured in background)
    Cambodia Female Deminer_35.jpg
  • After a Chinese Type 72 mine is found.  Sokhon's supervisor, Im Samkul, prepares demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers begin announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"  ..On a hill 100 meters away farmers harvesting cassava disappear out of sight. Then Sokhon's supervisor connects black demolition wire to a detonator switch.  He blows 3 long whistles followed by 3 short ones. Then he presses the detonator triggering an ear shattering explosion that booms across the valley.  .(Sokhon pictured in background)
    Cambodia Female Deminer_34.jpg
  • After a Chinese Type 72 mine is found.  Sokhon's supervisor, Im Samkul, prepares demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers begin announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"  ..On a hill 100 meters away farmers harvesting cassava disappear out of sight. Then Sokhon's supervisor connects black demolition wire to a detonator switch.  He blows 3 long whistles followed by 3 short ones. Then he presses the detonator triggering an ear shattering explosion that booms across the valley.  .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_33.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield..  Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen"......Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  .....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_31.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield..  Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen"......Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  .....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_30.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  ....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_27.jpg
  • Sokhon helps her friend, Yean Maly, put on body armor in a safe zone at the MAG base camp before entering the ".Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ......Back in 2006, in a moment of sadness she told her friend, Yean Maly, "I never want to get married again. I don't think any man could truly love an amputee woman like me."....
    Cambodia Female Deminer_22.jpg
  • A sign in O'Chheukrom village noting how many land mines were removed by Sokhon's MAG team...On August 21, 2006, Sokhon and her team started demining O'Chheukrom village. "One of the areas we cleared was where I used to go to collect water with my daughter every day. We found mines everywhere. That was scary", says Sokhon.   By April 5, 2007 the village was finally free of land mines.  69,379 square meters of land was rendered safe.  Sokhon's MAG team found 405 mines, 64 bombs (unexploded ordnance) and 164,213 pieces of fragmentation.  Villagers started farming the area without fear, bringing a sense of relief and prosperity to the community.  ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_53.jpg
  • The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_55.jpg
  • Farmers harvest cassava in Pailin Province.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_50.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_16.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_13.jpg
  • Inside the workshop at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) centre in Battambang city:   Chhorn Lang, age 42,  helped make Sokhon's prothesis so she could work for MAG in the field.  She been working for ICRC since 1993.  She lost a leg in 1988 to landmine in Battambong.  She says before she got the job she had very few friends, but now she has friends.  She says, "When I lost my leg I had no hope.  My thinking was like Sokhon, but I didn't want to die.  When I started to have this job my life improved.  It makes me happy to help others now.  Before it was difficult, if I wanted to get water I had to crawl to the river."  (The ICRC centre has treated 18,122 cases from 1991 - 2010, most of them amputees).
    Cambodia Female Deminer_63.jpg
  • Sokhon with her daughter Sreymao and her parents in front of her parents house.....Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family.....Sokhon's mother, Kep Nann, sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house.....The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."....Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, Khhuan Ry, Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_58.jpg
  • Sokhon with a co worker and village leader survey an area she helped clear of landmine at O'Chheukrom village...On August 21, 2006, Sokhon and her team started demining O'Chheukrom village. "One of the areas we cleared was where I used to go to collect water with my daughter every day. We found mines everywhere. That was scary", says Sokhon.   By April 5, 2007 the village was finally free of land mines.  69,379 square meters of land was rendered safe.  Sokhon's MAG team found 405 mines, 64 bombs (unexploded ordnance) and 164,213 pieces of fragmentation.  Villagers started farming the area without fear, bringing a sense of relief and prosperity to the community.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_51.jpg
  • On the way home Sokhon stops at the local market to shop for dinner, she still has to cook for her family.  She moves between a collection of outdoor bamboo stalls, separated by rutted muddy aisles, selling fresh fish and vegetables.  The shopkeepers joke with Sokhon - a photographer is following her - an unusual sight in Pailin, until recently.  In 2002, Angelina Jolie adopted her first child, Maddox, in Battambong, and started a foundation - bringing a touch of glamour to locals - many of whom now hope to catch a glimpse of the super star.  Sokhon smiles shyly, embarrassed by the attention, but latter she jokes, "I also want to be famous! Do you think Brad Pitt will come to see me?"
    Cambodia Female Deminer_42.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_20.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_18.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_15.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_11.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_09.jpg
  • Sokhon, jumps out of the back of a MAG work truck at the end of the day...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer.jpg
  • Mo Gee (left), age 32, Mr. Saw Taw (center), age 40, and Mr. Pahco (right), age 31, at the Karen Handicapped Welfare Association (KHWA), Mae La refugee camp, Thailand, Tuesday, March 27, 2007. ..Mo Gee lost his arms and eye sight in 1996 as a Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) soldier on the front line trying to disarm a Burmese Army/SPDC landmine.  Came to Thailand in 1996-97 and treated at Mae Sot Hospital and by MSF...Saw Taw lost his arms and eye sight in November 2002 as a soldier in the KNLA trying to disarm a landmine...Mr. Pahco lost his hands and eyesight trying to disarm a Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) landmine.  The accident happened 9 years ago when he was a soldier in the KNLA.  He has been at Karen Handicapped Welfare Association KHWA since it started in 2002.
    KWHA 05.jpg
  • A refugee girl at Camp Ei Tu Hta on the Salaween River, Myanmar (Burma) on Monday, April 2, 2007.  The camp started in early 2006 when 815 people fled from Taungoo District in Karen State due to increased violence by the Burmese State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).  It is believed that these people along with many others who did not make it to the camp were displaced for being too close to the new Burmese captial city Naypyidaw. The camp population is currently 2,971 with new arrivals coming each day.  Thousands of ethnic Karen are internally displaced people (IDP's) living in fear of their government.  Human rights groups have documented thousands of abuses by the SPDC including forced labor, rape, human mine sweeping, murder, and ethnic cleansing.
    Ei Tu Hta 09.jpg
  • Today, Kheun Sokhon, walks with a confident limp over a hill known as "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield, located 20 kilometers from O'Chheukrom village.  8 male co workers follow behind her.  Four of them are amputees and limp too. Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment they step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ..Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_39.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  ....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_25.jpg
  • Destroyed mines at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield where Sokhon is working. ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_03.jpg
  • Ms. Khoua Lee, only a teenager, shows her injuries, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 3, 2006.  She told me her story of being ambushed by Laos Government soldiers on July 15, 2003.  She says they shot her in the face and hand before she was able to escape.  Tears trickled down her face over the scare that reached from her mouth almost to her ear...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos Hmong 129.jpg
  • Soldiers rest in their abandoned village, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 2, 2006...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 8.jpg
  • 80 year old, Blia Yang Fang, holds his battered American made AR-15 he used as part of the CIA Secret Army, near Vang Vieng Laos, July 3, 2006..  He fought for the French when they held Laos as a colony and later fought for the CIA working in demolition teams to sabotage the North Vietnamese Army invading Laos...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 5.jpg
  • Nang Li Hua, boils a wild plant from the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 6.jpg
  • Jo Vong Thaw, holds a rat he caught for food bare handed, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006.  The Hmong hiding in the jungle are near starvation in many cases, surviving on any wild plants or animals they can scavenge.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 2.jpg
  • Chea Thaw with bloated stomach common to most children hiding in the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 15.1Copy.jpg
  • Hmong soldiers camped in the remote jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 26, 2006. ..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 10.jpg
  • Mr. Wang Chai Her, 40 years old, killed April 6, 2006.  He was the oldest son of group leader Blia Shoua Her.....Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).
    Hmong Nong Khai 2.jpg
  • Mrs. Bao Thao, 32 years old, killed April 6, 2006.....Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  ....
    Hmong Nong Khai 27.jpg
  • Blia Shoua Her (center standing), and some of his group, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 4, 2006.  He apologized to me that more of his 500 people could not be present for a village portrait as they were too busy and desperate out searching for food in the jungle.  ..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 20.1Copy.jpg
  • Sua Her, peels wild roots dug from the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 28, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 16.jpg
  • Women and children wash wild roots dug from the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 11.jpg
  • Mr. Kong Meng Fa or Tong Fang, injured April 6, 2006.  His wife was killed.....Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).
    Hmong Nong Khai 26.jpg
  • Mrs. Doua Thao, 30 years old, killed April 6, 2006...Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  ..
    Hmong Nong Khai 11.jpg
  • Willi Kubirske, Technical Field Manager, for Mines Advisory Group (MAG) holds a US cluster bomb at the MAG office in Phonsavan, Laos.  Approximately 90 million cluster bombs were dropped on Laos and 10 to 30 percent of them failed to arm properly and never exploded.  Countless cluster and big bombs are still in the ground waiting to detonate in Laos.  Approximately 13 thousand people in Laos have been killed or maimed as victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO) since the war ceased.  ***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***      *** Local Caption *** ***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***
    Laos Der Spiegel Images_2.JPG
  • Bomb casings decorate the entrance to a guest house in Phonsavan, Laos.  Many bombs from the secret war have been used for building products and creative products like air compressors.  Approximately 90 million cluster bombs were dropped on Laos and 10 to 30 percent of them failed to arm properly and never exploded.  Countless cluster and big bombs are still in the ground waiting to detonate in Laos.  Approximately 13 thousand people in Laos have been killed or maimed as victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO) since the war ceased.
    Laos Der Spiegel Images_1.jpg
  • As we approached the site of the April 6th massacre one soldier, Song Yee Thao, screamed and began to cry, then many of the others joined in mourning, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006.  Group leader, Blia Shoua Her, in background...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 17.1Copy.jpg
  • Refugee, Tong Her, holding his UNHCR refugee certificate in Thailand. He escaped from the jungles of Laos after half his face was shot off by the communist Lao Army.  ....His group of Hmong people report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces near Vang Vieng, Laos.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).....On January 30th, 2007, Thai authorities tried to forcibly deport Tong Her along with 152 other refugees.  The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ....The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ....On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos.  The Lao Government called this group of 160 "Economic refugees"; however, they have vanished inside Laos.....Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   ..This includes jungle leader Blia Shoua Her?s group of 438 people who suffered the alleged massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from the UN, Amnesty International, diplomats and human rights groups.....Deporting recognized refugees is an illegal act against a principle of international law called non refoulment.  ..**Exclusive**
    Hmong Nong Khai 28.1.jpg
  • Tong Hua Her, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  Half of Tong's face is missing from a bullet wound leaving him blind in one eye with his nasal cavity exposed.  His father and group leader, Blia Shoua Her yelled, "Communist!  Communist do this!"  His father says on July 15, 2003, Tong and some family were ambushed by Communist Lao troops who were on patrol...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 7.jpg
  • Young Hmong girls return with bamboo shoots for food, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 28, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 14.jpg
  • A young boy stands guard in the jungle while his group rests, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 1.jpg
  • A young boy stands guard in the jungle while his group rests, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006...Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 1,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN.......
    101Copy.jpg
  • Mrs. Za Thao, 34 years old, killed April 6, 2006.......Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).
    Hmong Nong Khai 3.jpg
  • Mrs. Lou Her, 30 years old, killed April 6, 2006... ..Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).
    Hmong Nong Khai 25.1.jpg
  • Hua Li and Hmong soldiers cut through the jungle on their way to the site of the April 6th massacre, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 18.jpg
  • Song Tua Ya, carries his AK47 and young son while maintaining village security, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 4, 2006...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 12.jpg
  • Mrs. Lou Her, 30 years old, killed April 6, 2006... ..Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).
    Hmong Nong Khai 24.jpg
  • Left, Mee Moua Vang, with family infront of their make shift home, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 28, 2006.  Her message  to the world, "My husband and two older daughters were killed by the communist while foraging for food.  My daughter Blee was attacked by the communist where her guts were sticking out and I was unable to help her so she died.  I miss her very much.  I am desperately suffering here with no help.  I ask you to come in and save us.  Bring us food."...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .These pictures are from a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.   The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people in these pictures have been hiding in the remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are estimated to exist. Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they want peace, and are just civilians defending their families hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 3.jpg
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