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Armed Non-State Actors: The Main Users Of The “Poor Man’S Weapon”, Anki Sjöberg
Armed Non-State Actors: The Main Users Of The “Poor Man’S Weapon”, Anki Sjöberg
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This report, which builds on the 2004 Geneva Call initial analysis, provides a comprehensive mapping of the use, acquisition, production, transfer and stockpiling of landmines by armed non-state actors through a presentation of individual group profiles and a global analysis. The report records global occurrences of antipersonnel and anti-vehicle mine planting by NSAs during 2003–2005, whether activated by victims, vehicles or at a distance using command detonation.
Endnotes, Cisr Journal
Chad, Country Profile
Chad, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The mine and unexploded ordnance contamination in Chad is a result of decades of internal conflict, the 1973 Libyan invasion and intensive mining during Libya’s occupation of the Aouzou Strip in the north from 1984 to 1987. Most of the known mined areas are in the Borkou- Ennedi-Tibesti region in the north and the Biltine and Quaddai regions in the east. Areas such as the Wadi Doum Military Base are also contaminated with abandoned missiles, munitions and other explosive remnants of war.
Angola, Country Profile
Angola, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
No abstract provided.
Sudan, Country Profile
Sudan, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
A civil war lasting for more than 20 years has caused Sudan’s landmine problem to be of great concern. According to UNICEF, Sudan ranks among the top 10 landmine-affected countries worldwide even though the full extent of the problem is largely unknown because no Landmine Impact Survey has been conducted. The greatest concentration of explosive remnants of war is located in the south, where the bulk of the fighting occurred, but exact statistics regarding existing stockpiles and mine-related incidents are unavailable due to a lack of records.
A Firm Foothold: Ronco Operations In Sudan, John Lundberg
A Firm Foothold: Ronco Operations In Sudan, John Lundberg
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Over the past four years, RONCO has established a continuing presence in Sudan, following the Nuba Mountains ceasefire, with the deployment of quick-response teams to conduct emergency mine-clearance tasks. Currently, RONCO is creating and sustaining an indigenous mine-clearance, survey and disposal capacity in southern Sudan on behalf of the United Nations. In addition to the threat of extensively mined roads and infrastructure, RONCO had to overcome a number of obstacles, including inclement weather, disease and an increasing security threat due to rebel activity. Sudan’s austere and hostile conditions are not dissimilar to those RONCO experienced in Afghanistan and Iraq, but …
Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield
Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining provides operational assistance to mine-action programmes and operators, creates and disseminates knowledge, works to improve quality management and standards, and provides support to instruments of international law like the Ottawa Convention and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
Systematic Test & Evaluation Of Metal Detectors: Interim Report Field Trials Mozambique, Dieter Guelle, Adam Lewis
Systematic Test & Evaluation Of Metal Detectors: Interim Report Field Trials Mozambique, Dieter Guelle, Adam Lewis
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission published at the end of 2005 another interim report for the STEMD project. This article gives background on the project and report and some results and recommendations of the trial. The authors hope this article will pique interest in the full report.
Mine Action Support Group Update, Stacy Davis
Mine Action Support Group Update, Stacy Davis
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The following article highlights the recent activities of the Mine Action Support Group from the first quarterly U.N. newsletter of 2006, including updates on the United Nations Mine Action Service, the United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF.
Test And Evaluation Of Japanese Gpr-Based Ap Mine Detection Systems Mounted On Robotic Vehicles, Jun Ishikawa, Mitsuru Kiyota, Katsuhisa Furuta
Test And Evaluation Of Japanese Gpr-Based Ap Mine Detection Systems Mounted On Robotic Vehicles, Jun Ishikawa, Mitsuru Kiyota, Katsuhisa Furuta
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article introduces Japanese activities regarding a project, “Research and Development of Sensing Technology, Access and Control Technology to Support Humanitarian Demining of AP Mines.” This project, which includes the research of six teams from academia and industry, has been funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEX T). The developed systems are equipped with both groundpenetrating radar and a metal detector, and they are designed to make no explicit alarm and to leave decision-making of detection using subsurface images to the operators. To evaluate …
Success Of Multi-Tools In Mine Action: The Survivable Demining Tractor And Tools And The Mine-Clearing Survivable Vehicle, Tinh Nguyen, Charles Chichester
Success Of Multi-Tools In Mine Action: The Survivable Demining Tractor And Tools And The Mine-Clearing Survivable Vehicle, Tinh Nguyen, Charles Chichester
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The authors examine the various equipment and technologies that allow further effectiveness in demining achievements. Recent developments in demining tools allow for greater protection of deminers, in addition to improved search results. With technological advancements such as the Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools and the Mine-Clearing Survivable Vehicle, the authors express hope for demining centers worldwide.
Zimbabwe, Country Profile
Zimbabwe, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
During the War of Liberation between 1976 and 1979, the Rhodesian Army laid minefields along the northern and eastern borders of Zimbabwe (formerly known as Rhodesia). The Rhodesian Army handed over minefield records to the Zimbabwe National Army in 1980. The minefields were emplaced in standard patterns and were marked and posted with danger/warning signs, but many of these signs have been stolen, destroyed or removed over time. It was initially estimated that 2.5 million anti-personnel mines were emplaced in Zimbabwe and the remaining minefields stretch 218 miles. Zimbabwe signed the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention on Dec. 3, 1997, and …
Uganda, Country Profile
Uganda, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Due to the insurgency of the Lord’s Resistance Army against the Ugandan government, landmines have been placed by various groups throughout the country for the past two decades. In the early 1980s both rebel groups and Ugandan government forces laid mines. Since then, there have been no allegations of government use inside Uganda, though the Lord’s Resistance Army continues to use anti-personnel mines. Though the landmine and unexploded ordnance problem is not as severe as in other parts of the continent, these remnants of war continue to injure or kill civilians as well as pose a problem for returning refugees …
A Rose By Any Other Name: The Interrelationship Of Landmines And Other Explosive Remnants Of War, Richmond H. Dugger Iii
A Rose By Any Other Name: The Interrelationship Of Landmines And Other Explosive Remnants Of War, Richmond H. Dugger Iii
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The author explores the vast diversification in landmine etymology, condemning efforts that sought to provide more information but only complicated an already difficult process. Dugger continues with a historical perspective on the progression of language and processes used to address problems posed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war.
Ethiopia Part 2, Country Profile
Ethiopia Part 2, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Ethiopia’s 70-year history of internal and international armed conflict, from the Italian invasion of 1935 to the Ethiopian- Eritrean War (1998–2000), has contributed to significant landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination. Ethiopia is one of the world’s 10 most heavily mined countries, with the government estimating it will take decades to clear. The most extensive contamination is in the Tigray, Afar and Somali regions. It is estimated that during the recent Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict, Ethiopian forces laid 150,000–200,000 landmines and Eritrea laid 240,000 mines over the disputed border areas.
Ethiopia, Country Profile
Ethiopia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Ethiopia’s 70-year history of internal and international armed conflict, from the Italian invasion of 1935 to the Ethiopian- Eritrean War (1998–2000), has contributed to significant landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination. Ethiopia is one of the world’s 10 most heavily mined countries, with the government estimating it will take decades to clear. The most extensive contamination is in the Tigray, Afar and Somali regions. It is estimated that during the recent Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict, Ethiopian forces laid 150,000–200,000 landmines and Eritrea laid 240,000 mines over the disputed border areas.
Egypt, Country Profile
Egypt, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Egypt is one of the most heavily mined nations in the world, with estimates ranging from 16.7 to 22 million landmines/pieces of unexploded ordnance, or an estimated one-tenth of the world’s 200 million landmines. Seventeen million landmines and pieces of UXO are estimated to be located in the Western Desert, a result of intense fighting during World War II between Allied and Axis forces at the El- Alamein perimeter. Approximately five million additional landmines were spread across the Sinai Peninsula and Red Sea coasts, largely from the Arabian-Israeli conflicts of 1956, 1957 and 1973. The Egyptian military estimates 19.7 million …
The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 10.1 (2006), Cisr Journal
The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 10.1 (2006), Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Feature: Explosive Remnants of War | Focus: Africa | Profiles | Making it Personal | Notes from the Field | Research and Development
Eritrea, Country Profile
Eritrea, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Eritrea’s landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination problem began during World War II when British and Italian forces fought on Eritrean soil. A long struggle for independence (1962–1991) and a border war with Ethiopia (1998–2000) followed, exacerbating the problem. Eritrea has never produced or exported anti-personnel mines; all mines used in the past were stolen from Ethiopian forces from minefields or storage facilities during the War of Independence. There are no mine stockpiles except for 214 mines retained by the Eritrean Demining Authority National Training Center for training and development. Eritrea acceded to the Ottawa Convention1 Aug. 27, 2001, and it …
Survivor Assistance Through Technology Transfer In Tanzania, Mary Stanton, Kim D. Reisinger
Survivor Assistance Through Technology Transfer In Tanzania, Mary Stanton, Kim D. Reisinger
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article describes how cutting-edge technology is being developed and disseminated in landmine-affected countries. Focusing particularly on the Tanzania Training Center for Orthopedic Technologists, the authors examine how a process of appropriate, resource-effective casting is being advanced and then shared through training workshops. Improved technology and its successful transfer are vital to better assisting landmine survivors, a goal the Center for International Rehabilitation is working to achieve.
Angola Project, Country Profile
Angola Project, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Roots of Peace, based in California, was founded in 1997 by Heidi Kuhn with the goal of freeing the world from landmines. The organization takes a unique approach to mine clearance, turning minefields into farmland. Currently, Roots of Peace is working on two projects in southeastern Angola. A 26-year civil war resulted in landmines and unexploded ordnance being scattered throughout the country and also created an unstable economy. Roots of Peace is working with Conservation International to clear access corridors for elephants and with World Vision to help Angola increase agricultural production.
Picking The Right Tool For The Right Task: Mine Clearance With The Minewolf Machine In Sudan, Christoph Frehsee
Picking The Right Tool For The Right Task: Mine Clearance With The Minewolf Machine In Sudan, Christoph Frehsee
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In 2005, Norwegian People’s Aid used the mechanical mine-clearance machine MineWolf to aid in the demining process in Yei, South Sudan. The MineWolf system combines both the tiller and flail systems. The mine clearance team overcame several challenges to transport the 25-ton machine to South Sudan. Once there, the MineWolf was used to clear over 280,000 square meters (69 acres) of land, including a school complex, a planned housing complex and a teacher-training centre.
Mines Awareness Trust In Eastern Africa, Nigel Howard
Mines Awareness Trust In Eastern Africa, Nigel Howard
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Mines Awareness Trust has been involved in many mine-action programmes that are aiding the mine-clearance process and improving the way of life for the people of eastern Africa. MAT has performed needs assessments in Uganda and has supervised the Ugandan Army. It has also developed a partnership with the International Mine Action Training Centre, which resulted in a state-of-the-art mine-detection dog training facility in Kenya. MAT’s collaboration with and assistance to eastern African organisations has put the area on the path to becoming mine safe.
An Alternative Perspective On Landmines And Vulnerable Populations, Shelby Weitzel
An Alternative Perspective On Landmines And Vulnerable Populations, Shelby Weitzel
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
By offering a different view on the International Campaign to Ban Landmines’ dominant message concerning mine action, this article presents an argument for possible alternatives. The author brings up such points as a lack of discussion and an acceptance of facts without proper checking of research. In addition, suggestions of constructive use of landmines in the defense of vulnerable populations are made to refute the idea of a necessary worldwide ban.
Opening Roads To Angola’S Future, Daniela Kempf
Opening Roads To Angola’S Future, Daniela Kempf
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Angola’s Road Threat Reduction Project, funded by the Humpty Dumpty Institute, cleared heavily mined roads in the country’s Planalto region. The project made safe travel possible among the over 200 small communities and other bordering nations. With help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and HALO Trust, HDI opened several roads for the Angolan people, creating new possibilities for the developing government.
A Primer On Explosive Remnants Of War, Daniele Ressler
A Primer On Explosive Remnants Of War, Daniele Ressler
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This primer reviews the legal and functional understandings regarding explosive remnants of war, particularly after the adoption of Protocol V in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. It examines the tensions between the legal definition of ERW and the reality on the ground, and recommends clarifying the terms that bind post-conflict clearance efforts to ensure the greatest effectiveness of those campaigns
No Wizards, Just Patient Teachers, Bart Weetjens, Jina Kim
No Wizards, Just Patient Teachers, Bart Weetjens, Jina Kim
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
APOPO is a Belgian-African nongovernmental organization that trains rats to be at new mine-detection tool. The authors describe the basic idea behind this unique concept.
Medical Challenges In Sudan, Adam Kushner
Medical Challenges In Sudan, Adam Kushner
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Working with Médecins du Monde, Dr. Kushner spent 12 weeks with a mission in Malakal, Sudan. This article, written as a journal, is his account of the first six weeks. Through his work, Dr. Kushner has helped many and witnessed the impressive ability of doctors in Malakal to work in stressful and sub-par conditions. He also came face to face with the cholera crisis and worked to get support and supplies for a second Cholera Treatment Center site.
Tajikistan Mine Action Programme, Jonmahmad Rajabov
Tajikistan Mine Action Programme, Jonmahmad Rajabov
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Tajikistan Mine Action Centre is responsible for all mine-action-related programs in the country. The author details Tajikistan’s landmine problems and provides a report on TMAC’s progress in various aspects of mine action as well as its goals for future mine-related operations.
Power Tillers And Snails For Demining In Sri Lanka, Emanuela Cepolina
Power Tillers And Snails For Demining In Sri Lanka, Emanuela Cepolina
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This paper presents a project the author has been working on since January 2005 in the context of her doctoral research and offers some of the first results. The topic concerns the participatory design and development of a distributed system for humanitarian-demining operations in Sri Lanka. The completed research is expected to encompass the relationship among landmines, humanitarian technologies and development. This article looks at the adaptation of power tillers for demining applications in Sri Lanka using a participatory design methodology called the Snail System.