Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 44
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
One Leg Dancing (Um Pé Que Dança) Angola Embraces The Future, Joe Lokey, Ken O'Connell
One Leg Dancing (Um Pé Que Dança) Angola Embraces The Future, Joe Lokey, Ken O'Connell
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
During a period of peace, demining efforts in Angola continue to require top priority in order to reopen the country to desperately needed aid programs. Unfortunately, funding by countries and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in recent years has been low due to a sense of confusion and an unsuccessful history of previously under-funded projects.
What Use Is A Database Of Demining Accidents?, Andy Smith
What Use Is A Database Of Demining Accidents?, Andy Smith
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The author has maintained a database of demining accidents for four years. It contains records of many of the explosive accidents that deminers suffer while going about their work. This article explains the uses and limitations of the database and the software developed to contain it.
Chad, Country Profile
Chad, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
After centuries of domination by several autonomous and constantly warring kingdoms, the land that would eventually make up the nation of Chad was subjugated by France in the 1890s. The French colonized Chad only half-heartedly, using it primarily as a source of raw materials and unskilled labor, never bothering to institute any unifying or modernizing policies. Chad gained its independence from France in 1960 but immediately became ensnared in a morass of ethnic warfare. Like so many other post-independence African nations, internal strife—sporadically punctuated by outside incursions—delayed all national development programs for decades. In Chad, a 1975 military coup and …
Locating Landmines And Uxo: A Methodological Lesson From The Ethiopian Landmine Impact Survey, Michael Fleisher
Locating Landmines And Uxo: A Methodological Lesson From The Ethiopian Landmine Impact Survey, Michael Fleisher
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
One of the most important parts about implementing effective Landmine Impact Surveys is first identifying which communities have a landmine/UXO problem. The author describes how Expert Opinion Collection (EOC) is used in Ethiopia to overcome the obstacles survey teams face when gathering their information.
Data Integrity And Reliability Conference, Cisr Jmu
Data Integrity And Reliability Conference, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
During a four-day Data Integrity and Reliability Conference, participants discussed data entry problems and presented suggestions for improvement.
The Landmine Menace: The Great Humanitarian Challenge, Thomas Himmler
The Landmine Menace: The Great Humanitarian Challenge, Thomas Himmler
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
On the basis of the conflict scenarios and the resultant threat, it is necessary to develop methods and means to eliminate the threat. Simply using available tools is not always easy. What is necessary is to optimally combine existing detection and clearance methods and, if necessary, to develop new, promising technologies in a targeted manner.
Technology's Promises, Cisr Jmu
Technology's Promises, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Every technology under development makes big promises. Here are five projects that may someday impact the world of mine action.
Pookie Rides Again, Willie Lawrence
Pookie Rides Again, Willie Lawrence
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Following the buzz caused by sniffer wasps and the scurry from mine-seeking rats, now it seems it is time for the concept of Pookie to come into its own. Mine clearance specialist MineTech International is completing work on a three-year project to transform an abandoned Zimbabwean war relic into a cost-effective mine detection platform for the 21st century. Project leader Willie Lawrence of MineTech International plots the progress of the revival of Pookie.
The Mine Action Information Center And The State Department’S Humanitarian Demining Fellowship: Molding The Future Of The Landmine Community, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
James Madison University (JMU) is host to the State Department’s Mine Action Information Center (MAIC). The MAIC has given many students the opportunity, whether through local employment or the State Department’s Humanitarian Demining Fellowship, to learn and experience mine action. Today, many of JMU’s former students are players in the global landmine community.
Moving Forward: Recommendations For A Landmine Victim Data Collection And Management System The Landmine Casualty Database Workshop At James Madison University (Jmu), May 13–14, 2002, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
After discussing ways to develop a systematic and accurate system for the collection of victim data on a global basis, participants developed three sets of recommendations that were presented to the global community.
The U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research And Development Program, Nicole Kreger
The U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research And Development Program, Nicole Kreger
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research and Development (R&D) Program rapidly develops, evaluates and demonstrates equipment for humanitarian demining, hoping to improve the overall safety of the individual deminer and the efficiency of humanitarian demining operations worldwide. By collaborating with a number of different members of the humanitarian demining community, the R&D Program strives to cater to the needs of those in the field and effectively fill any technology gaps as quickly as possible.
Burundi, Country Profile
Burundi, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
A monarchy ruled Burundi from the 17th century until it was overthrown in 1966. After this overthrow, the First Republic went into effect, a tumultuous time marked by the 1972 genocide of the Hutu community. In 1976, the First Republic government was overthrown, leading to the Second Republic, headed by Jean Paptiste Bagaza. In 1987, Pierre Buyoya overthrew him and created the Third Republic. Despite Buyoya’s efforts to bring peace and unity to the country, violence similar to that of 1972 erupted in 1988 between the Hutu and the Tutsi. Since 1993, Burundi’s ethnic-based conflicts have reportedly claimed over 150,000 …
Humanitarian Demining Research: The Future Role Of The European Union, Russell Gasser
Humanitarian Demining Research: The Future Role Of The European Union, Russell Gasser
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article aims to give an introduction to the information about the European Union’s (EU) Research and Technological Development (RTD) programme which is available on several of the EU websites. The sites are listed below.
Mine Resistant Boots, Jiri Chladek
Mine Resistant Boots, Jiri Chladek
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The task of demining is highly dangerous. Deminers and humanitarian workers are at risk to injury every time they step onto a minefield. Jiri Chladek and the Zeman Company have developed a special boot to reduce risks incurred when stepping on landmines.
Somalia, Country Profile
Somalia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Somalia’s first known inhabitants were Arabs who established trading posts over 1400 years ago. During the 19th century, Britain, France and Italy colonized the area, and it remained three separate colonies until Britain combined the region under one rule in 1941. This unity was sustained until 1950, when the area once colonized by Italy became a UN territory under Italian rule and was named Somalia. In 1960, the nation finally achieved independence from European rule; however, this newfound liberty brought about many conflicts. Clashes with Ethiopia began in the late 1960s and, for the most part, lasted throughout the late …
Africa: It's Big!, Dennis Barlow
Africa: It's Big!, Dennis Barlow
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The great opera commentator, John Culshaw was once asked to describe the monumental Wagnerian “Ring Cycle” using only one word. After pondering the question for a moment he responded by characterizing it as, “long.” At first, this obvious answer seemed more flippant than serious, but a little thought leads one to conclude that Culshaw was on to something. Many words could describe the Ring: monumental, bombastic, fantastic, convoluted, stirring, mythological, but each limits the scope or makes a judgment which may not be ultimately true. The truth is that someone who wants to tackle the Ring must be prepared to …
Namibia, Country Profile
Namibia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Like many countries in southwestern Africa, Namibia has had a troubled military and political history. Germany occupied the nation until 1914, at which point the League of Nations entrusted South Africa with administration and control. This instigated a long period of hostility between Namibia and South Africa. Upon the dissolution of the League of Nations, the newly formed United Nations requested South Africa’s withdrawal from Namibia. In 1966, the United Nations officially withdrew South Africa’s Mandate, but hostilities merely intensified. South Africa did not relinquish control until 1990, after repeated UN requests and years of fighting. In the years since, …
U.S. Humanitarian Demining In Africa, Sarah Kindig
U.S. Humanitarian Demining In Africa, Sarah Kindig
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Due to the numerous internal conflicts, crises and wars that several of the nations in Africa have faced, this region is one of the places in the world that is significantly affected by landmines. In an attempt to alleviate the suffering from landmine injuries, the United States has set out to provide humanitarian mine action assistance to many of these afflicted nations.
Ensuring Effective Coordination: Unmas And Mine Action Coordination Centres In Africa, Sarah Campbell
Ensuring Effective Coordination: Unmas And Mine Action Coordination Centres In Africa, Sarah Campbell
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Effective coordination is an essential part of mine action efforts worldwide. The author discusses the United Nations Mine Action Service’s (UNMAS) coordination strategies, focusing on examples from Mine Action Coordination Centres (MACCs) in Africa .
Tailoring Partnerships For Success: Experiences From The Djiboutian Humanitarian Demining Program, Alan Childress, Matt Zajac
Tailoring Partnerships For Success: Experiences From The Djiboutian Humanitarian Demining Program, Alan Childress, Matt Zajac
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article examines the multiple partnerships that were formed during the planning and training deployment of a team comprised of a sailor, Special Operations Forces (SOF) soldiers, Marines, Department of State resourcers, a civilian demining organization, and U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) planners. Several of the first-time partnerships discussed could be applicable to future Humanitarian Demining (HD) programs. A fundamental lesson is that the organizational parameters of selected U.S. government HD operations require flexibility, and may need to be dismembered and recombined to successfully accomplish a program's goals. Equally important, thesecooperative efforts resulted in significant cost savings to U.S. taxpayers without …
Halo Trust In Angola, David Hartley
Halo Trust In Angola, David Hartley
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The HALO Trust, a British charity, is gaining acclaim for both the scope and quality of their demining operations. In Angola, HALO has successfully adapted to an unstable political climate to help clear mines and allow for the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced refugees. In light of Angola’s newfound peace, the Trust plans to expand their operations and finish the job.
Community Liaison In Mine Action: Partnerships For Growth, Tim Carstairs
Community Liaison In Mine Action: Partnerships For Growth, Tim Carstairs
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Using a Community Liaison model that emphasizes community participation, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) prioritises minefield clearance to lessen landmines’ impact on communities in Angola.
Demining In Ethiopia: A Demanding Task, Josef Strebel
Demining In Ethiopia: A Demanding Task, Josef Strebel
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Mines and UXO are an ever-present danger for people and their livestock in many parts of Ethiopia, which has been ravaged by years of conflict and war. The Ethiopian Mine Action Office (EMAO) is the focal point of humanitarian mine action in Ethiopia and therefore in charge of locating and destroying the cruel and hidden killers. A demining program under its auspices began in May 2002 with clearance work in the priority areas of Northern Tigray.
An Interview With Angelina Jolie, Cisr Jmu
An Interview With Angelina Jolie, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie discusses her time in Cambodia and the effects of landmines there as well as the impact the trip had on her personally. She is willing to share her experiences with the world to help raise more awareness for mine action.
Building A Safer World “The Philly Way”, Mike Felker
Building A Safer World “The Philly Way”, Mike Felker
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
With the creation of the Philadelphia-area Adopt-A-Minefield program, many community members have offered their time and effort to raise money and awareness for the landmine problem in Mozambique. With new goals at hand, Philadelphians can expect to see the campaign continue, focusing on Afghanistan and the rest of the world.
An Interview With Hendrik Ehlers Of Mgm, Margaret S. Busé
An Interview With Hendrik Ehlers Of Mgm, Margaret S. Busé
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Hendrik Ehlers discusses the challenges facing demining in Africa, research and development, and mechanical clearance used by his company. His candid replies offer insight into the world of demining and managing a multifaceted organization.
Benefit/Cost Analysis Of U.S. Demining In Ethiopia And Eritrea, Michael Litzelman
Benefit/Cost Analysis Of U.S. Demining In Ethiopia And Eritrea, Michael Litzelman
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
A Benefit/Cost (B/C) Analysis is a tool used to compare the rewards reaped by a program to the costs expended to accomplish it. The author discusses the B/C analysis of demining operations in Ethiopia and Eritrea and extrapolates the meaning of the results.
Ethiopia, Meet Eritrea: An Overview Of The Landmine Situation In Ethiopia And Eritrea As A Result Of The Border Conflict, Susanna Sprinkel
Ethiopia, Meet Eritrea: An Overview Of The Landmine Situation In Ethiopia And Eritrea As A Result Of The Border Conflict, Susanna Sprinkel
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Sparked by a controversy over Eritrean seaports, Ethiopia and Eritrea were drawn into a three-year border war that took numerous lives and permanently injured an already struggling economy. Now that the fighting has ceased and negotiations are being conducted, United Nations and humanitarian aid organizations are working to piece the two broken nations back together and eliminate the landmine threat.
Educating The United States: Landmines In And Out Of The Classroom, Susanna Sprinkel
Educating The United States: Landmines In And Out Of The Classroom, Susanna Sprinkel
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Enthusiastic students are giving back to their global community as U.S. Department of State-assisted landmine education programs are being launched in grammar schools, colleges and universities across the nation. In these programs, students are given a chance to both learn more about the global landmine crisis and to actively contribute to the mine action community.
The Workshop On Assistance To Landmine Survivors And Victims In Southeastern Europe: Defining Strategies For Success, Ig, Slovenia, July 1-2, 2002, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Participants from throughout southeastern Europe and around the world gathered in Ig, Slovenia, just outside the capital city of Ljubljana, to discuss and provide suggestions for improving mine victim assistance in the Balkans.