Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Mine Action And The Reintegration Of Former Combatants: Expanding The Debate, Laurie Druelle, Henrique Garbino, Eric Mellado Åhlin

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In the last decades, humanitarian mine action (HMA) and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR)² processes have increasingly been recognized as essential to paving the way for sustainable development thanks to their contributions towards human security, livelihood, and access to services. The integration between the two processes, however, has not yet been fully addressed in the literature or practice. This paper seeks to identify areas where DDR and HMA intersect and, supported by anecdotal evidence, suggest a conceptual framework for future research and implementation. Most importantly, we hope to widen the debate on the potentially synergic relationship between HMA and …

Environmental Soil Sampling And Analysis: Application In Supporting Sustainable Land Use Practices In Areas Impacted By Explosive Ordnance, Bui Doan Bach, Kimberly Mccosker, Linsey Cottrell

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Assessing the humanitarian impact of explosive ordnance (EO) has been an integral part of the land release process for decades. However, rarely have environmental aspects been included, despite the fact that EO can impact the environment in several ways, adding to the overall humanitarian impact of the use of explosives.

Endnotes, Issue 25.3, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.

A Note From The Interim Director, Suzanne Fiederlein

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.

Integrating Humanitarian Mine Action And Humanitarian Forensic Action, Lauren Cobham, Nicholas Márquez-Grant, Mike Harris, Caroline Barker, César Sanabrina Medina, Javier Naranjo-Santana, Gareth Collett

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Humanitarian mine action (HMA) and humanitarian forensic action (HFA) have had a global impact in recent decades. However, these two areas could work more closely together in view of some of the contexts in which they operate. Often when HMA operators clear explosive ordnance (EO) after conflict, they find human remains, especially in urban areas. When human remains are encountered, operators have responsibilities to ensure that they are dealt with appropriately. When both HMA and HFA actors are present, there is a need for an increased awareness and understanding of each other’s role. Human remains should be returned to families …

The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction, Issue 25.3 (2023), Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

• Ukraine
• Human Forensics
• Reintegration of Former Combatants
• Afghanistan and Tajikistan
• Mental Health of Survivors and HMA Personnel
• Iraq
• Notes on T&EP 09.30, 09.31, and IMAS 09.30
• Environmental Soil Sampling and Analysis
• TIR Imaging

Tnmac's Victim Assistance Activities: The Mental Health Aspect Of Survivors And Hma Personnel, Reykhan Muminova, Md, Phd, Muhabbat Ibrohimzoda, Phd

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Tajikistan, a State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) since 1 April 2000, contains a significant number of landmine victims and survivors. The Tajikistan National Mine Action Center (TNMAC) is using the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) Core for its data collection and reporting, including information on persons killed or injured by mines as well as their needs and challenges. This information is disaggregated by gender, age, and disability. Since 1992, the total number of casualties resulting from accidents with landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) is 885 (535 survivors; 350 fatalities).

Ukraine: Coordinating The Reponse, Greg Crowther

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The war in Ukraine has seen the use of ground and aerial weapons on a scale not seen in Europe for decades, causing immense devastation and human suffering. And the legacy of explosive hazards since the onset of the war, in the form of unexploded ordnance, landmines, and cluster munitions, will take decades to address. It’s a legacy that will kill and injure civilians long after the conflict has ended. This is not just a problem for the future, however but a challenge for the present: explosive ordnance risks civilian lives, hampers efforts to deliver emergency humanitarian aid, and prevents …

The Recovery Of Human Remains In Weapon-Contaminated Settings: Towards Guidance For The Mine Action Community, Lou Maresca, Chris Poole, Jane Taylor, Phd

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mine action and forensic services are critical elements in the response to humanitarian needs during and after armed conflict. Mine action operators will work to identify, mark, and eventually clear areas contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). Forensic specialists and other related experts will be operational in the search for missing persons and the management of the dead by locating, recovering, and helping to identify human remains, while ensuring maximum protection, dignity of the deceased, and attention to their families.[1] These professions can often intersect in situations where human remains and explosive hazards are both present.

Mine Action In Afghanistan And Tajikistan: Challenges And Opportunities, Markus Schindler

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Rugged mountains, challenging road conditions, ongoing security concerns, and a fluctuating donor landscape present a wide range of obstacles to mine clearance efforts in Afghanistan and neighboring Tajikistan. The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) first entered the region in 2001 in the wake of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. Since then, the mine action sectors in both countries have seen significant progress and growth. FSD has been part of this process since its early days through its country programs in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, engaging in a variety of mine action activities including clearance (manual, mechanical, and with mine detection …

National Capacity Building For Humanitarian Mine Action Activities In Iraq, Mark Wilkinson Phd

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In the last two years, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Iraq has conducted detailed research into its management and delivery of improvised explosive device (IED) clearance activities. Some of this research has already been published, providing a more detailed insight into how operational efficiency and effectiveness can be developed from models and tools derived from on-the-ground evidence. Much of this research has been shown to have real-world application. The purpose of this research has actually been quite simple: show that when methodologically sound observation and analysis are contextualized within an operational mine action environment there can be clear …

New Conventional Eod And Iedd Competency Standards For Mine Action: Notes On T&Ep 0930, 0931, And Imas 0930, Roly Evans, Dan Perkins

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In February 2022, the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) Review Board approved a fully revised Test and Evaluation Protocol (T&EP) 09.30 explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) Competency Standards. It also approved amendments to the accompanying IMAS 09.30 (subject to the approval of the IMAS Steering Group and Inter Agency Coordination Group) and the T&EP 09.31 IEDD Competency Standards. The approval marked the culmination of sustained work over four years since 2018 to update not only conventional EOD competencies but to add improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD) competencies suitable for mine action rather than traditional security tasks. The changes made are significant …

Tailoring Explosive Ordnance Risk Education: How Mag Addresses Gender/Cultural Sensitivities And Local Risk-Taking Behavior, Sebastian Kasack

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The relevance of risk education is widely acknowledged as reflected in the Oslo Action Plan (OAP) with its distinct chapter on ‘Mine risk education and reduction’ and five explicit actions. Good risk education must be tailored. MAG’s experience delivering explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) in four-teen countries confirms the relevance of tailoring EORE to the local reality: to people’s risk taking behaviors, to the actual explosive ordnance (EO) threat, to seasonality, availability of people for risk education sessions, and approaches that re-spect gender and diversity and take conflict sensitivity into account.

Hidden Crisis In Borno State, Sean Sutton

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

At the end of 2019, Nigeria reported a significant increase of landmine, explosive remnants of war (ERW), and improvised explosive device (IED) contamination in its states. In 2019 alone, a total of 239 known mine casualties were recorded in Nigeria. Although the exact amount of contamination in Nigeria today is unknown, the Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor asserts that Borno is the most heavily affected state in the country. Due to mounting mine contamination and increasing pressure from non-state armed groups (NSAG), internally displaced persons (IDPs) and communities are unable to safely return to the region. Extensive landmine use by …

A Note From The Interim Director, Suzanne Fiederlein Ph.D.

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.

Time To Stem Lightweight Approaches And Focus On Real Minefield Data?, John Fardoulis, Xavier Depreytere

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

While preparing for airborne IR thermography fieldwork as part of the Odyssey2025 Project between Humanity & Inclusion and Mobility Robotics in Chad, a comprehensive literature study was conducted by the authors From the literature reviewed, the authors identified a disconnect between thermography-related research projects and practical, real-world HMA operations. The importance of real fieldwork, the significance of undergoing a literature review before starting your own research, and the need for researchers to work in conjunction with HMA operators are all essential, not only to those working in HMA, but more importantly, to the post-conflict communities the sector strives to help.

Operationalized Management Information Systems In Iraq's Dma, Mark Steyn, Arie Claassens

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The perception of management information systems (MIS) often conjures up images of highly-technical tools requiring arcane development practices and data preparation rituals, but a simple solution providing easy access to the relevant data delivers a bigger impact than a highly technical tool gathering dust. The Iraq National Mine Action Authority has implemented an MIS application for use in the office and field to improve decision-making processes’ speed and quality.

On-The-Ground Information Management Tools In Northeast Syria, Suleiman Nyamwaya, Joel Ndegwa

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Beginning in early 2017, clearance activities in northeast Syria have been carried out primarily by NGOs. Initially, clearance was focused on agricultural land, but other critical infrastructure such as education, shelter, and electricity followed suit over time. Toward the end of 2017, iMMAP began providing coordination support to humanitarian mine action actors through the application of the Information Management System for Mine Action.

The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction, Issue 24.2 (2020), Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

• Editorial: HMA and COVID-19: A Donor's Perspective
• Editorial: Time To Focus on Real Minefield Data
• Mine Action Information Management in Iraq and Northeast Syria
• IMAS 10.60 Update: Investigation and Reporting of Accidents and Incidents
• The Mine Free Sarajevo Project
• SALW in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the DRC
• Gender and Diversity in Mine Action
• Victim Assistance in Ukraine
• Landmines in the American Civil War
• Risk Education in Colombia
• R&D: The Odyssey2025 Project

Weapons Marking And Registration In Bosnia And Herzegovina: A Model For A Regional Approach To Salw Life-Cycle Management In The Western Balkans, Mike Newton

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Western Balkans and their diversion from state-owned stockpiles is a driver of armed violence. The HALO Trust has been working in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2017 in support of the Franco-German Initiative for the Western Balkans. By collaborating with the Bosnian armed forces, the European Force in Bosnia and the UK-based marking company, Pryor Marking, HALO has found a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the problem of illicit SALW in the Western Balkans.

Improving Security In The Drc Through Weapons And Ammunition Management, Beamie-Moses Seiwoh, Aurelie Fabry, Edison Pineda, Grégoire De Nantes

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The resurgence of armed conflict since 1996 has displaced thousands across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and resulted in proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SA/LW), which remains a serious concern. The diversion of SA/LW and ammunition from state-owned stockpiles is linked to poor or insufficient weapons and ammunition management (WAM) capacity, practices, and procedures, and has been identified as a major cause of illicit arms and ammunition proliferation in the DRC. The trafficking, accumulation, and misuse of SA/LW and related ammunition pose a systemic and pervasive threat to peacebuilding and hampers long-term socioeconomic development. …

Assessing Ukraine's Victim Assistance Capacities, Kateryna Mashchenko, Tetiana Shymanchuk, Oleh Stoiev, Nick Vovk

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Six years into the protracted crisis, explosive ordnance (EO) contamination continues to affect Ukrainian communities. Consequent to the conflict between the government of Ukraine and the so-called de facto authorities in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, EO affects an estimated 7,000 square kilometers of land in government-controlled areas (GCAs). Even without complete data from the non-government-controlled areas (NGCAs), Ukraine ranks among the five most affected places in the world for EO casualties. But for EO victims the path forward remains fraught with difficulties. According to the International Mine Action Standards, victim assistance (VA) requires a long-term commitment, a responsibility that …

The Mine Free Sarajevo Project, Marija Trlin, Elise Becker, Nataša Uršič

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mine Free Sarajevo is a US-funded project aiming to clear more than six million square meters of mine-suspected and mine-contaminated land in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and surrounding municipalities. The project utilizes land release methodology, a cost-effective and safe way to release large areas by combining technical and non-technical survey methods. Upon completion of the project, the Sarajevo region will finally become mine-free and safe for the local population. This will enable social and economic growth and the development of many infrastructure projects that have been on hold for years.

24.2 Endnotes, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.

Strengthening A Sustainable National Capacity For Gender And Diversity Mainstreaming In Mine Action, Laura Biscaglia, Ros Sophal, Khun Sochenda

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

There have been many positive developments in recent years in relation to promoting gender equality and inclusion in mine action. At the same time, some challenges remain, such as the lack of a gender and diversity mainstreaming capacity with clear roles and responsibilities in some mine action institutions and organizations. To reinforce positive achievements and strengthen gender and diversity mainstreaming capacity among national mine action authorities/centers (NMAA/Cs) and operators around the world, in 2019 the GICHD developed the flagship Gender Focal Point Capacity Development Programme. Through the achievements of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and Norwegian …

Mine Action In The Time Of Covid-19: A Donor's Perspective, Wolfgang Bindseil, Ian Mansfield

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since the beginning of humanitarian mine action (HMA) in the late 1980s, the sector has relied heavily on donor support. The funding is provided through various channels and covers the full range of HMA activities, including risk education, survey and clearance, stockpile destruction, victim assistance, advocacy, capacity building, and coordination. Over the years, donors have also influenced the HMA sector in more ways than by just providing money. For example, MASG members have called for the development of common sector-wide standards (e.g., International Mine Action Standards), hosted technical workshops and training activities, and actively participated in international and national level …

International Mine Action Standard 10.60 Safety & Occupational Health - Investigation And Reporting Of Accidents And Incidents: Notes On The Revised Second Edition, Roly Evans

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In 2019, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) received permission from the International Mine Action Standard (IMAS) Review Board (RB) to update IMAS 10.60, Safety & occupational health – Investigation and reporting of accidents and incidents. The first edition of the document, originally drafted in October 2001, was last amended in June 2013. The second edition was published in 2020. This article covers some of the key improvements made in the second edition, such as a new emphasis on evidence, a simplified reporting sequence, the introduction of causal analysis, revised independence of investigation levels, introduction of near miss …

Landmines In America's Backyard, Ken Rutherford Ph.D.

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Few realize the world’s first widespread deployment of landmines took place during the American Civil War (1860–1865). At the start of the war, the disparity in military manpower, materiel, and weaponry between the North and South was significant. The gap widened in the Union’s favor as the war progressed, forcing the Confederate war industry to innovate and improvise. As the conflict progressed, landmine warfare advanced commensurately, and both tactics and technology evolved to include innovative types of design and deployment. During the war’s later years, Confederate soldiers used both command-detonated and victim-activated landmines more frequently to defend and to protect …

Proof: How Small Drones Can Find Buried Landmines In The Desert Using Airborne Ir Thermography, John Fardoulis, Xavier Depreytere, Pierre Gallien, Kheria Djouhri, Ba Abdourhmane, Emmanuel Sauvage

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Hypotheses and speculation have circulated for at least three decades regarding how IR thermography could be viable as a technique for locating buried landmines in arid environments. However, there has been a lack of proof under actual field conditions. Addressing many overall questions regarding small drones in HMA, the Odyssey2025 Project—led by HI and Mobility Robotics— closely collaborated with the national mine action center in Chad, the Haut Commissariat National au Déminage (HCND), to complete activities and objectives. As part of a holistic approach, the primary objective was to determine how small drones could add value in HMA field operations …

Explosive Ordnance Victims And Risk Education: Lessons Learned From Colombia 2012-2019, Salomé Valencia, Angela Desantis, Matt Wilson, Sebastián Tovar Jaramillo, Angela Patricia Cortés Sánchez, Ana Jaquelin Jaimes Alfonso

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In Colombia, the use of anti-personnel mines is the result of more than sixty years of armed conflict. The Office of the High Commissioner for Peace - Descontamina Colombia (OACP-DC), the current national mine action authority in Colombia, recorded 11,828 explosive ordnance (EO) victims between 1985 and 2019. Furthermore, Colombia is one of nine countries where new anti-personnel mines are still being emplaced by non-state armed groups, which presents a challenge for the mine action sector. The aim of explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) is to reduce the risk of accidents by raising awareness and promoting safe behavior among EO-affected …