U.S. Congressman Chris Smith was presented today with an award for his leadership and commitment to help save and improve the lives of people living in war-torn countries by the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI), a group known for its work to clear landmines from civilian areas and assist victims of landmines. 

    Smith said that children are often the victims of land mining long after a conflict is over. 

    “Landmines are a cruel testament to the remnants of war, and children are often the ones who pay the price,” Smith said. “So much more mine-clearing needs to be done to the war-torn places of the world. Organizations like the Marshall Legacy Institute are making a difference; they are making the world a better place.” 

    “The Clearing the Path Public Policy Award” was presented by Elise Becker of the Marshall Legacy Institute and Ambassador Bisera Turković of Bosnia-Herzegovina. It reads: “To Chris Smith for Your passionate and principled defense of human rights and for giving a voice to the voiceless in Bosnia Herzegovina and other troubled nations around the world. Your many legislative accomplishments have provided a glimmer of hope for those invisible victims of conflict who are so easily forgotten.” 

    The Ambassador told Smith that from Bosnia’s point of view, “You were the one Congressman before all others who should get the award.” She said that in the mid-1990s, Smith was one of the first Members of Congress to label the Serbian atrocities a “genocide” against Bosniaks. In 2005, Smith also sponsored H. Res. 199 which passed by the House denouncing Serbian acts as a genocide, a resolution widely praised in Bosnia. In 2007, the Mothers of Srebrenica gave Smith an award recognizing his work regarding the Srebrenica genocide. 

    “Ambassador Turković knows all too well the terrible costs of warfare on civilians in her own homeland, so I am humbled she thinks I deserve this recognition,” said Smith. 

    Bosnia-Herzeogovina is one of many countries plagued by landmines. Wracked by the five-year civil war in the former Yugoslavia, it is the most heavily-mined nation in Europe. An estimated four percent of the country is mined, twice as much in acreage than Afghanistan. Many civilians in rural regions depend on making a living off the land, and the need for mine-clearing programs is dire. Dozens of people are killed or wounded every year. MLI has helped deliver 10 highly trained mine-detecting dogs, and assists in helping local anti-mine training efforts, as well as young landmine survivors. 

    MLI is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 to advance the vision of Nobel Peace Laureate Gen. George C. Marshall. In particular, MLI assists nations in establishing affordable and sustainable programs to rid their land of landmines. Its three major efforts are the K9 De-mining Corps Campaign, the Survivors’ Assistance program and the Children Against Mines Program. The MLI website is http://www.marshall-legacy.org/. 

    A photo of today’s presentation is available by calling (202) 225-3765.