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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Legacy Of War In Chechnya, Kimberly P. Hill
The Legacy Of War In Chechnya, Kimberly P. Hill
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Hundreds of lives are destroyed daily; most of which are left unrecorded and unacknowledged. The struggles and suffering of a few bears witness to the atrocities of many forgotten casualties and even survivors of all ages. The epidemic of landmines continues to devour many lives in its path, bur it is the aid of others and the written words of some that convey the true horror of their reality.
Part I, Strategic Management For Mine Action Operations: A Case For Government-Industry Partnering, Alan Childress, Pete Owen
Part I, Strategic Management For Mine Action Operations: A Case For Government-Industry Partnering, Alan Childress, Pete Owen
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Directed mainly at policy makers and leaders in mine-plagued nations and government and non-government mine action planners, the article argues for holistic mine action strategies, coordinated priorities, and best management practices. The authors establish the need for nations to take charge of their mine action organizations and present strategic management methodology to implement self-determination concepts. They insist that humanitarian demining must start with the end in mind, an integrated and nationally prioritized requirements analysis of each of the mine action areas-mine awareness, mine field assessment and surveys, mine and UXO clearance, victim assistance and information management. They also suggest that …
Bosnia And Herzegovina, Country Profile
Bosnia And Herzegovina, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
After Marshal Tito's death in 1980 and the collapse of the former Soviet Union, the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) divided into five different countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and the Republic of Macedonia. After having declared its independence from SFRY in March 1992, BiH fought in a war that lasted over three-and-a-half years. This war destroyed families, communities and infrastructure and left the country littered with landmines and unexploded ordnance. After the Dayton agreement was signed on Dec. 14, 1995, the war officially ended and the country was …
Moldova, Country Profile
Moldova, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Moldova is split into two main regions, Bessarabia and Transnistria. Bessarabia is in the eastern part of historic Moldova and is mostly Romanian while Transnistria is the land on the eastern bank of the Nistru River and is mostly Slavic (Ukrainians and Russians). After the Russo-Turkish War in 1806-12, Bessarabia ceded to Russia. Finally on Aug. 27, 1991, Moldova declared its independence from the USSR and was recognized by the United States in December of that same year as they opened an embassy in its capital in 1992. A new constitution was adopted on July 28, 1994, which forever replaced …
Conferences: Who Needs Them?, Dennis Barlow
Conferences: Who Needs Them?, Dennis Barlow
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The global mine action process seems to spawn conferences. During the past three years there have been at least 13 major gatherings which contained in their agendas major activities dedicated to improving demining operations. What have the three years of meetings, issue development, and projects produced? Have the conferences and attempts to frame operators' needs been a wasted effort, characterized by travel boondoggles of innumerable representatives to venues far and wide? Or have they driven real development and positive achievement?
Georgia On My Mind, Joe Lokey
Georgia On My Mind, Joe Lokey
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This issue of the Journal of Mine Action focuses on one of the world's most interesting regions as it examines landmines and unexploded ordnance in Europe and the Caucasus as well as highlighting organizations from that region engaged in humanitarian mine action. Whether we are discussing landmines, post-conflict reconstruction, geo-politics, resources or regional security, you can't seem to have a comprehensive discussion of the region without, in some way, viewing Georgia as a key to the future of the Caucasus.
A Squad Of Their Own, Margaret S. Busé
A Squad Of Their Own, Margaret S. Busé
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The first all-female demining team was deployed in Kosovo in late November 1999. Comprised of women refugees who had previously been housewives, they are the first all-female demining ream in the world. In Kosovo's traditional patriarchal society, few women work outside the home and until now, no women worked in this internationally male dominated occupation. The sight of the women deminers, long hair peeking out of helmets, has raised a few eyebrows. As one elderly farmer remarked upon seeing them, "My poor dears, you are so beautiful."
The Munitions Challenge In Albania, Steve Brown
The Munitions Challenge In Albania, Steve Brown
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Political controversy, economic chaos and increasing criminality have faced Albania since its democratic revolution in late 1990. Anti-government demonstrations erupted into violence, which took the form of attacks against state facilities including public offices, schools, factories and military depots. Of particular concern were the attacks against ammunition and weapons storage areas. Over 600,000 weapons and several thousand tons of ammunition and explosives were looted and some 16 ammunition storage areas, known as Hot Spots, were set ablaze resulting in massive unexploded ordnance contamination of the sites and surrounding areas.
The Prom-1: Waiting In The Ground For The Deminers In Kosovo, Al J. Venter
The Prom-1: Waiting In The Ground For The Deminers In Kosovo, Al J. Venter
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The PROM-1, the worst in bounding anti-personnel mines and not much bigger than a beer can, is a vicious weapon whose shrapnel can penetrate almost any body armor. It cuts through the average Kevlar helmet like cardboard, as it does often enough for those who try to clear these deadly little bombs, and Kosovo is full of them.
Reducing The Threat Of Landmines For Kosovo's Children, Margaret S. Busé
Reducing The Threat Of Landmines For Kosovo's Children, Margaret S. Busé
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
UNICEF started mine-awareness activities in Kosovo February 1998. At that time the threat was perceived to be the result of the indiscriminate planting of landmines. The high rate of injuries among children and youth indicated UNICEF's need to target children and their parents. Children and youth are especially at risk because of their natural inquisitiveness and risk-taking behaviors.
Chechnya: The Republic Of The Wolf, Margaret S. Busé
Chechnya: The Republic Of The Wolf, Margaret S. Busé
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In a state of humanitarian crisis, Chechnya, the poorest of states within the Russian Federation, continues to strive for independence. The prewar arsenal of landmines consisted primarily of PMN and OMZ mines. Stocks of PM's were moved to secret bases in the mountain regions during the war. There is also a considerable black market for landmines.
Unmik: Mine Action Coordination Center, Christine Brawdy
Unmik: Mine Action Coordination Center, Christine Brawdy
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In October 1999 when Kosovo Forces (KFOR) entered the Province of Pristina, they were immediately confronted with the problems encountered by a population returning through areas contaminated by unexploded, I NATO-dropped, cluster munitions (CBU). NATO advised that as many as 333 areas had been bombarded with such aerial delivered weapons. T hey found the problem extended to more than 600 mine fields left by the Serbian Army (VJ), Police (MUP), and other paramilitary forces. These were principally along the border with Albania and the Federal Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and scattered in other strategic areas on the interior.
A Diary Of Destruction In Bosnia, Oren J. Schlein
A Diary Of Destruction In Bosnia, Oren J. Schlein
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
During the Bosnian war in the early 1990s, Croat, Muslim and Serb forces deployed between 600,000 and one million anti-personnel landmines. This can seem a meaningless figure until you see the effects of both exploded and unexploded landmines. Driving into town from the Sarajevo airport, I witnessed the striking contrast between the beauty of the hills surrounding the city and the pockmarked buildings damaged by relentless shelling during the Bosnian war. The old town has been largely restored to its historical charm, while the rest of the city and outlying areas continue to exhibit the awful blemishes of war. I …
Adopt A Minefield, Cisr Journal
Adopt A Minefield, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Adopt a Minefield Campaign engages individuals, community groups, and businesses in the United Nations effort to remove landmines around the world. The campaign helps to save lives by raising funds to clear mine fields and by raising awareness about the global landmine crisis.
A Serbian Ghost Town In Need Of Recovery, Sinisa Malesevic
A Serbian Ghost Town In Need Of Recovery, Sinisa Malesevic
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
All sorts of people are hoping for the demining and reconstruction of Dropci, a "Serb village" approximately 45 kilometers from the municipality of Bihac in Unsko-Sanski Canton, located in the Muslim-Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This area was strategically important during the war, and much was done to protect it, which means there are plenty of mine fields. The few hundred people who lived here before the war (1992-1995) have all left.
The Ambitious Challenge Of Adopting A Mine Field, Larry Levine
The Ambitious Challenge Of Adopting A Mine Field, Larry Levine
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Dropci is a tiny, devastated, and currently empty community of family farmers in northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the border with Croatia. Its people are still refugees from the war, as the land is strewn with landmines, booby traps and unexploded ordnance. Monterey County, Calif., is known as the "Salad Bowl of the World" for its agricultural abundance, the "Golfing Capital of the World," and the site of the spectacular Big Sur coastline. Dropci and Monterey County are worlds apart. What is the cord that binds these two communities? The Adopt-A-Minefield Campaign, a program coordinated by the United Nations Association …
Belarus, Country Profile
Belarus, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Gomel, Minsk, the capital, and the most heavily mined area, Vitebsk. Many of the officials in Belarus are trying to educate the people and show them the proper way to handle a mine if encountered and more importantly, what not to do. Two non-governmental organizations, the Belarus Support Center for Associations and Foundations (SCAF), and the Belarus Campaign to Ban Land mines (BCBL), are working with the Belarussian government to help promote safety and build solid support centers for the victims of land mines. SCAF, established in 1996, strives to develop the culture and society of Belarus by supporting other …
Croatia, Country Profile
Croatia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Croatia ceded from Yugoslavia in 1991. Cessation prompted a crackdown by Belgrade and an uprising by the Serbian minority. During the war of independence millions of mines were planted and the main cities were bombed. Western Slovenia and the Krajina were under the control of Serb forces loyal to Belgrade until April 1995 when Croatian HVO forces retook Western Slovenia. Zagreb was shelled in retaliation. In August 1995 Croatian forces swept across the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina to pursue the fleeing Serbs, and to dislodge Serb forces near Croatian territory. Croatian officials came out of the Dayton Peace Accords …
Kosovo, Country Profile
Kosovo, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Serbia and Montenegro are the only two remaining Yugoslavian republics. The federation began to dissolve in June 1991, when Croatia and Slovenia declared independence. The Republic of Serbia has two autonomous provinces, Kosovo and Vojvodina, which are administratively a part of Serbia. Most of the population in Kosovo is Albanian.
The U.S. Humanitarian Demining Program In The Balkans, Matt Murphy
The U.S. Humanitarian Demining Program In The Balkans, Matt Murphy
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
As a result of years of conflict in the Balkans, countless landmines have been laid in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. Bosnia-Herzegovina's landmine problem is severe, with an estimated 750,000 landmines and an undetermined quantity of unexploded ordnance infesting some 186 square miles of land. These hidden killers have killed and maimed hundreds, vastly impeded the return of refugees to their homes, and hindered international efforts to help people in the region.
Responding To An Emergency: An Interview With Bob Macpherson, Care, Margaret S. Busé
Responding To An Emergency: An Interview With Bob Macpherson, Care, Margaret S. Busé
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In an interview with The Journal, Bob MacPherson spoke candidly and honestly about the challenges, successes and lessons learned in effectively responding to an emergency situation. MacPherson is responsible for landmine safety and awareness and is the emergency ream leader for CARE. Throughout 1999, he has been in Kosovo coordinating activities so that civilian lives can return to a stare of normalcy. Upon finishing our conversation, he was scheduled to fly to Chechnya to try to coordinate relief efforts for that war-ravaged country.
The Journal Of Mine Action Issue 4.1 (2000), Cisr Journal
The Journal Of Mine Action Issue 4.1 (2000), Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Landmines in Europe and the Caucasus
The Slovenian International Trust Fund For Demining, Stephanie Schlosser
The Slovenian International Trust Fund For Demining, Stephanie Schlosser
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
On the web page of The Slovenia International Trust Fund for Deming (ITF) there is an image that, at first glance, could be an advertisement for a toy score. The image is of a child's doll. She appears bright and happy, with red ponytails and yellow ribbons, and a sunny yellow dress. The doll 's eyes glance playfully to one side, as if she is about co join a group of similarly happy friends. Suddenly, the doll's face and body change. With web animation, the doll 's right leg disappears along with her smile. Then you remember, this is a …
Notes From The Field: Bosnia, Sinisa Malesevic
Notes From The Field: Bosnia, Sinisa Malesevic
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
One day not long ago, just as the sun was setting on the city of Doboj, Serb Republic, Jovic Mirko stepped on a Yugoslav-made PMA-2 antipersonnel mine and lost a foot. Some call him "lucky," it was only a foot, and he will sometimes agree. His misery would have been so much greater if the victim had been one of his two children. The potential for greater misery is ever present in the Mirko household. For one thing, the mine field is somewhere in their garden, right behind the house that the family moved into two years ago. On that …
The Actuator: Demining Innovations, Lee Felsenstein, Steven E. Saunders
The Actuator: Demining Innovations, Lee Felsenstein, Steven E. Saunders
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This approach to humanitarian demining differs from generally accepted methodology. It has not yet been tried, and the purpose of this article is to ensure that the general concept is placed in the public domain, where it may be debated and modified without considerations of intellectual property. Interval Research Corporation, where this idea originated, is not in the business of mine clearance, or of manufacturing mine clearance systems, so the idea is being passed along to the community best capable of analyzing it.
Quality Assurance: Evaluation And Certification Of Humanitarian Demining Detection Equipment, Vjera Krstelj, Josip Stepanic Jr., Irena Leljak
Quality Assurance: Evaluation And Certification Of Humanitarian Demining Detection Equipment, Vjera Krstelj, Josip Stepanic Jr., Irena Leljak
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
An extensive number of humanitarian demining detection equipment (HDDE) in the development phase requires a well-established set of testing facilities. A combination of enthusiastic and scientific testing exists throughout the majority of these facilities. During the last several years, the process of humanitarian demining (HD) in Croatia has begun under the intense effort of the Croatian Mine Action Center and other institutions. The success in starting and performing the clearance of various mine-affected regions was a combination of mechanical demining and a systematic approach. Mechanical demining has given good results on the agricultural terrain and in the fields of homogeneous …
Developing New Technology For Humanitarian Demining, Russell Gasser, Terry Thomas
Developing New Technology For Humanitarian Demining, Russell Gasser, Terry Thomas
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Despite the spending of hundreds of millions of dollars on high-tech research over the last few years, local humanitarian deminers still use traditional prodders and metal detectors. The biggest recent technical innovation has been mechanical vegetation clearance which was mostly developed in the field and bypassed the research route.
Azerbaijan, Country Profile
Azerbaijan, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Azerbaijan declared independence from Russia in 1918, but was incorporated in the Soviet Union in 1920. It again declared independence in August 1991, following the collapse of the USSR. The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region is still unresolved after 10 years and Baku has yet to settle disputes with its neighbors over oil rights in the Caspian Sea. During 1988-1994, Karabakh Armenians declared independence and seized almost 20 percent of the country's territory, creating an estimated 750,000 Azerbaijani refugees. As a result of the war, western Azerbaijan is plagued with land mines. Both sides have generally …
Chechnya, Country Profile
Chechnya, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Chechnya is not recognized internationally as a sovereign state. It declared independence from Russia in September 1991, adopting the name Chechen Republic lchkeria. ln December 1994, the Russian Federation sent troops in the republic and used mines extensively. A peace agreement was signed in 1996, including the delay of the Chechen Republic lchkeria's official status until Jan. 1, 2001. Chechen leadership currently claims the independence of their republic but Russia maintains that Chechnya is part of the Russian Federation. Chechen law has been established but Russian law still applies. The humanitarian situation in Chechnya deteriorated steadily from the end of …
Georgia, Country Profile
Georgia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Following the April 9, 1991, independence from the former Soviet Union, Georgia was beset by ethnic and civil strife. The continuing argument over the political status of Abkhazia resulted in war. In September 1993, Georgian forces withdrew from the Abkhazia region. Although Georgia stabilized, South Ossetia and Abkhazia remain elusive. The conflict in South Ossetia has been dormant since spring 1994, but sporadic violence continues between Abkhaz forces and Georgian partisans in western Georgia. Of their estimated population of 5,000,000, Georgia still has about 250,000 internally displaced people as a result of these conflicts. After adopting a new constitution in …