26 Apr – Rosamund Pike is backing the campaign to clear unexploded bombs in Laos, and wants you to do the same. In a video message recorded as part of the Unlock the Land campaign by the Mines Advisory Group, the "Gone Girl" star, who is also the ambassador, expressed, "Right now, right this minute, deadly, unexploded bombs are threatening the lives of the children in Laos in Southeast Asia, even though those bombs were dropped decades ago." "People are putting their lives at risk every single day, not knowing that hidden dangers lurk in their land. Communities are trapped, families cannot farm without fear and children cannot go to school or play in safety," she added.
Pike added that clearing the mines means that kids can play safely and the entire communities can thrive instead of living in fear of bombs. "These communities need help right now and that is why I'm backing the work of MAG and the brave deminers of Laos," she continued. "Join me in helping MAG unlock the land for families in Laos so children can play in safety. I think they've been in danger for far too long, don't you?" The Manchester-based charity uses highly trained staff and special machineries in finding and destroying bombs and landmines. Donations made to the appeal before 24 July will be matched by the UK Government and help MAG clear land the equivalent of almost 23 football pitches in Vangkhom, Laos. According to MAG, Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita, with two million tonnes of explosives dropped during 580,000 bombing missions.