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Imas: An Overview Of New And Amended Standards, Abigail Hartley, Lionel Pechera, Sasha Logie

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

New and existing International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) doctrine (including standards, technical notes for mine action, and test and evaluation protocols) are developed and regularly updated to ensure that IMAS remain fit for purpose to support mine action programs in reducing the risk of explosive ordnance (EO) to affected populations. This article provides a summary of the most recent IMAS publications to enable mine action organizations and authorities to stay up to date with the latest IMAS developments.

Afghanistan’S First Female Deminers: An Analysis Of Perception Changes Among Deminers, Families, And Communities, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

For the first time in the thirty years of mine action in Afghanistan, as part of an initiative of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), in June 2018 a mixed-gender demining team was deployed by the Danish Demining Group (DRC-DDG) to clear landmines in Bamyan Province, in the central highlands of the country. A minefield was successfully cleared in six months. Following the success of the first project, in 2019 the same demining team was deployed once again to Bamyan to clear other hazards, including the last known minefield in the province. Bamyan has since been declared the first …

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. …

Iraq Programme Report 2020, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

In 2020, UNMAS Iraq prioritised the following areas of support:

• Support government and national mine action entities with managing, regulating, and coordinating a mine action response through Technical Support (TS) initiatives;
• Deliver Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) at the community and national level; and
• Provide Explosive Hazard Management (EHM) response in support of humanitarian and stabilization efforts.

Due to the nature of threats posed by EO, UNMAS and its implementing partners are among the first responders allowing the humanitarian community and local authorities to intervene quickly and efficiently to help civilians.

A significant mine action capacity gap remains in Iraq. …

Palestine Programme Eore Portfolion 2019-2020, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

The persistent conflict faced by the Palestinian population has resulted in large areas of the Palestine being contaminated by various ERW. The key threats differ regionally between Gaza and the West Bank Areas A, B and C. Whereas Gaza has been continually exposed to ERW including Israeli Aerial Bombs; the West Bank is contaminated with a mixture of mines. ERW and Riot Control Agents such as tear gas.

The UNMAS Palestine programme has worked hard to mitigate the impact of the Palestine Israel conflict in Gaza. Unfortunately, the presence of ERW is indiscriminate in Gaza and there is a possibility …

Unmas Annual Report 2020, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

UNMAS colleagues in the field and at Headquarters drew on their reserves of resilience and empathy to deliver life-saving programmes with innovative approaches - such as the early inclusion of COVID messaging in risk education campaigns. We relied on and deepened our partnerships. Working closely with national authorities, donors and implementing partners we managed to maintain and eventually resume operations and serve communities that live with the constant threat of explosive ordnance.

Allow me to highlight some of our accomplishments of 2020:

UNMAS responded to a request from the Ethiopian government to assess the threat in parts of that country, …

Ied Threat Consistency And Predictability In Fallujah: A 'Simple' Model For Clearance, Mark Wilkinson Ph.D.

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

When in control of the area of Iraq north of Baghdad, including the city of Fallujah, ISIS prepared to defend its position from inevitable government counterattack through the widespread use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) laid as defensive obstacles in patterns similar to conventional minefields.¹ The subsequent destruction of bridges over the Tigris River further strengthened the ability of ISIS to defend the city and prevent the civilians trapped within from escaping.

Ieds And Urban Clearance Variables In Mosul: Defining Complex Environments, Mark Wilkinson Ph.D.

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

More than any other post-conflict environment in Iraq, the complexity of west Mosul and its improvised explosive device (IED) threat challenges our fundamental perceptions and definitions of mine action. From here, 400 km (248.5 mi) north of Baghdad in the al-Maedan District on the west side of the Tigris River, ISIS ran its caliphate and made its ill-fated last stand against attacking Iraqi Security Forces (ISF).

Iraq Programme Report 2018, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

Upon request from the Government of Iraq and the United Nations, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) was formally established in June 2015 to lead the efforts, in close collaboration with the Iraqi government, to mitigate explosive hazards in country. Our mission is to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of internally displaced persons to their homes. UNMAS achieves this mandate through three different response modalities: » First, we provide explosive hazard management in support of humanitarian and stabilization efforts. » Second, we deliver risk education at the community, national and regional level to protect the local population …

Unmas Annual Report 2019, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

The work of UNMAS makes a difference in the lives of people. In its role as United Nations mine action coordinator, UNMAS enables and accelerates many of the core activities of the United Nations — from humanitarian action and peacekeeping to sustainable development and peacebuilding. In 2019, the clearance of landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) paved the way for food distribution centres, playing fields and schools. Roads were made safe, ensuring that people could travel to markets, humanitarian workers could deliver assistance, and peacekeepers could go on patrol. UNMAS, guided by the United Nations …

Iraq Programme Report 2019, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

Transition: In 2019, UNMAS Iraq, along with its implementing partners and in collaboration with other United Nations (UN) organizations, continued to contribute to that end despite continuing security threats where we work, political uncertainty, social unrest, and reduced fund-ing for our clearance work, risk education programmes, and technical assistance provided to our Iraqi counterparts. In response, UNMAS Iraq:

• Clearance: Introduced a new business model with a reduced “international footprint”. By gradually reducing international staff and re-deploying the remainder from “hands on” clearance tasks to exclusively supervisory, consultative and quality assurance roles in support of an increased, fully qualified local staff. …

Unmas 2018 Annual Report, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works in 18 countries and territories on four continents, helping affected communities, Member States, United Nations entities and partners to reduce the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war, improvised explosive devices and unplanned explosions or looting of conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. This annual report provides an overview of the achievements of UNMAS in 2018. Its impact continues to be critical, concrete and broad. In post-conflict situations, mine action is an essential foundation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Mine action makes it possible for displaced persons and refugees to return …

United Nations Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Standards, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

These IEDD Standards have been designed for the safe, effective and efficient disposal of IEDs. They aim at ensuring uniformity and technical specificity related to the generation of an IED disposal capability. They establish the minimum competencies required for IEDD operators and frame the methodology for the clearance of IEDs. The Standards provide guidance on how to carry out IED disposal planning, the competencies and associated training and equipment required to conduct IED disposal operations, as well as the appropriate approaches to IED clearance in rural and urban areas, IED information management and IED risk education.

The United Nations IEDD …

Unmas 2017 Annual Report, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

This year, UNMAS marks two decades of needs-driven, people-centred work. I consider it a great honour to direct an organisation that received the 2017 United Nations Foundation award for Global Leadership; a fitting accolade to my colleagues working across continents to bring the United Nations vision of a world free from the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war to fruition. This annual report provides an insight into the courageous work carried out by my colleagues for the millions of people for whom the UN is, so often, their only means of survival. The UNMAS team works frequently in …

Strengthening Security In Mali With Weapons And Ammunition Management, Marlène Dupouy

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

When insurgent groups in Mali initiated a rebellion for independence in late 2011, the National Guard and the Malian Defense and Security Forces (MDSF) in Gao were at the forefront of hostilities, which included the pillaging of weapons from government stores. Concurrently, the demise of the Gaddafi regime in Libya triggered an influx of small arms and light weapons (SA/LW) across the Sahel region and the return of fighters from Libya, making northern Mali their base. That challenge was quickly seized upon by jihadists and opportunists aiming to further destabilize Mali and enlarge their bases and activities throughout the Sahel …

Unmas 2016 Annual Report, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

As conflicts rage across the world and the threats posed by explosive hazards perpetuate humanitarian crises and hinder emergency response, UNMAS leadership is needed more than ever. Repeatedly and consistently, mine action has proven critical to humanitarian action. This, and the crucial coordination role of UNMAS, was widely recognised at the World Humanitarian Summit, and in the outcome documents, by affected states, donor nations, United Nations entities and civil society. Mine action is also a vital stabilization enabler, facilitating the recovery of communities impacted by conflict. As Iraqis work to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Da’esh, mine action …

Improvised Explosive Device Lexicon, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

This lexicon is intended to provide the United Nations system with a coherent conceptual framework and operational vocabulary to address the IED threat worldwide. It encompasses the broad spectrum of IED employment scenarios, the variety of IED devices, and their critical components. Adoption of this lexicon will improve the collection, reporting, and exploitation of IED information at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. The lexicon will assist in: - Standardizing terminology across IED reports and improving database content management; - IED related education and training; and - Development and understanding in support of IED policy and doctrine. In order to …

Report Of The Informal Meeting On Mines Other Than Anti-Personnel (Motapm Or Anti-Vehicle Mines), Gichd, United Nations Mine Action Service, United Nations Office For Disarmament Affairs

Global CWD Repository

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) jointly hosted an informal one day meeting to examine the humanitarian and developmental impact of anti-vehicle mines/mines other than antipersonnel mines (MOTAPM), discuss possible solutions and highlight the need for the international community to move forward and take specific action.

The meeting took place on Friday 6 November 2015 in Geneva. Upwards of 80 delegates attended the meeting, which included representatives from over 50 states, the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, non-governmental …

Armed Violence Reduction In Central Mali: A Community-Based Approach, Sonia Pezier, Jean-Denis Larsen

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

According to the Small Arms Survey, around 526,000 persons are killed every year as a result of armed violence, and many more sustain injuries requiring medical and rehabilitative care that severely impacts their lives. In West Africa, the propagation of small arms and light weapons (SA/LW) escalates armed conflicts and affects the security and the stability of the entire Sahel region.

Stockpile Destruction Of Obsolete Surface-To-Air Missiles In Mali, Marlène Dupouy, Charles Frisby

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Inadequate management of ammunition stockpiles can cause accidental explosions. The Small Arms Survey lists a total of 528 unplanned explosions of ammunition storage sites since January 1979, in more than half of United Nations member states. The March 2012 incident, which took place in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, is a reminder of the danger posed by poor stockpile management, as well as the tragic consequences affecting the population, environment and governments as a result of financial costs of clean-up exercises. The explosions in Brazzaville killed at least 300 people, injured more than 2,500 and left over 121,000 homeless, according …

Unmas Gaza Emergency Response Report, Mark Frankish

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

From 7 July to 26 August 2014, significant quantities of explosive ordnance were used during hostilities between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Gazan armed groups. It is reported that approximately 72,000 items of ordnance were fired and launched during this period. This presented a significant risk for civilians and hampered humanitarian and reconstruction operations. Many unexploded aircraft bombs, tank projectiles, mortar shells and other munitions from both sides of the conflict were reported in civilian areas. Based on a 10 percent fail rate, it was assumed there are approximately 7,200 items of explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Gaza, …

Unmas Brochure 2016, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

UNMAS (United Nations Mine Action Service) was established by the UN General Assembly in 1997and is the coordinator for mine action in the United Nations system. Mine action comprises five pillars: clearance, risk education, victim assistance, advocacy and stockpile destruction.

The United Nations Policy On Victim Assistance In Mine Action, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

This Policy on Victim Assistance in Mine Action replaces the 2003 “Mine Action and effective coordination: the United Nations policy - Sectoral policy: The scope of action of mine action centres and organizations in victim assistance”. It reflects the significant changes in the legal and policy framework for victim assistance which have occurred since 2003, and prevails to language relevant to victim assistance contained in “Mine Action and Effective Coordination: The United Nations Inter-Agency Policy”, which was approved by the InterAgency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA)1 at the Principals’ level on 6 June 2005.

Unmas 2015 Annual Report, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

The centrality of mine action in humanitarian responses was widely and unanimously recognized by United Nations Member States and throughout the mine action sector in 2015. In his biennial report to the United Nations General Assembly on Assistance in Mine Action, the Secretary-General highlighted that mine action is “at the core of postconflict humanitarian response” and emphasised that “contamination of mines and explosive remnants of war remains a major security issue affecting civilian populations, United Nations operations and the sustainment of global peace and security”. The Global Humanitarian Overview for 2016, launched by the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator in …

Implementing Culturally-Sensitive Risk Education In Somalia, Abigail Jones, Kjell Ivar Breili

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Somali Compact 2014–2016 outlines the objectives of the Somalia federal government to guide the process of stabilization and peace building. The Compact also recognizes the vital contributions by representatives of women, youth, civil society organizations, traditional elders, religious leaders, diaspora and the business community from all segments in each region.¹

Unmas 2014 Annual Report, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

For UNMAS, 2014 was the year of transparency, accountability and compliance. UNMAS proved itself to be an efficient, respected and trusted service provider for impacted communities, humanitarian responders, affected states and the United Nations system.

This year, a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Mechanism, established to measure progress of the Strategy of the United Nations on Mine Action 2013-2018 and to reinforce the United Nations impact in mine action, was launched across all UNMAS programmes.

This report details UNMAS achievements in 2014, the result of hard work, commitment and innovation.

Landmines, Explosive Remnants Of War And Ied Safety Handbook, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

This handbook is not an instruction manual for working with landmines and explosive hazards. It is not a guide for working with landmine, ERW and IED affected communities. Rather, its aim is to raise awareness and provide basic safety information concerning the threat of landmines, ERW and IEDs to organizations and individuals working in affected areas, and to help them:

• Establish appropriate safety procedures;

• Avoid contact with mines, ERW and IEDs and

• Take appropriate action in emergency situations.

Building National Eod Capacity In Mali, Jin-Hee Dieu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since January 2013, the United Nations Mine Action Service has worked to build Mali’s national capacity in explosive ordnance disposal.

Quality Management Systems In Mine Action Programs, Pascal Simon, Stefan De Coninck

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The United Nations Mine Action Service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is in the process of implementing a new quality management system (QMS) for mine action in DRC. The QMS was implemented in July 2013 and its progress continues to be carefully monitored each quarter.

Survivors’ Assistance In Conflict: Challenges From Eastern Drc, Douglas Felix Kilama

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Because of the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), providing aid and rehabilitation assistance to survivors of mine-related injuries is difficult. Beyond essential rehabilitation services, the United Nations Mine Action Service's victim assistance efforts in DRC aim to provide economic skills to promote self-reliance and enable survivors to provide for their families.