Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Landmines

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Articles 1 - 30 of 60

Full-Text Articles in Defense and Security Studies

Effects Of Weather On Detection Of Landmines By Giant African Pouched Rats, Ian Mclean, Rebecca Sargisson Apr 2017

Effects Of Weather On Detection Of Landmines By Giant African Pouched Rats, Ian Mclean, Rebecca Sargisson

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Although APOPO has trained mine detection rats for many years, no published data exist on how weather parameters relate to detection accuracy. Using data taken during routine training, we show that there was little relationship between the detection success of rats and rainfall but find that rates decreased, on average, with increasing temperatures and increased with higher humidities. Individual rats vary in terms of sensitivity to temperature in that


From The Director, Ken Rutherford Nov 2016

From The Director, Ken Rutherford

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Here at CISR, our team is busy planning the 13th Senior Managers’ Course (SMC), which will take place in Biograd na Moru, Croatia, from 20 March to 7 April 2017. With the help of our local partner, the Croatian Mine Action Centre, CISR will implement a course designed specifically to address the needs of senior managers working in greater Southeast Europe as the region’s mine action programs undergo planned transitions. The course in Croatia will be our third regional SMC (Tajikistan in 2014 and Vietnam in 2015) since we began implementing the regional format in 2014; we hope to facilitate …


The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction Issue 20.3 (2016), Cisr Jmu Nov 2016

The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction Issue 20.3 (2016), Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Feature: SA/LW and CWD | Spotlight: Libya | Special Report: Solomon Islands’ Explosive Legacy | Plus: Editorial, Field Notes, Research and Development


Implementing International Obligations To Clear Mines, Stuart Maslen Jul 2016

Implementing International Obligations To Clear Mines, Stuart Maslen

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Each State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) that knows or suspects it has areas under its jurisdiction or control that contain anti-personnel (AP) mines has a clear deadline to locate and destroy those mines. According to Article 5(1), upon becoming party to the APMBC, a State must complete clearance within ten years, unless the deadline is pushed back in an agreement from the other States Parties at an annual meeting or five-yearly review conference.


The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction Issue 20.1 (2016), Cisr Journal Apr 2016

The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction Issue 20.1 (2016), Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Best Practices in CWD | Spotlight on Eastern Europe and the Caucasus | Notes from the Field | Research & Development


Landmines In Croatia Pose Threat To Incoming Refugees, News Brief Dec 2015

Landmines In Croatia Pose Threat To Incoming Refugees, News Brief

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

After Hungary formally closed its border with Serbia on 15 September 2015, refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East, Central Asia and Northern Africa have turned next to Croatia as a gateway to reach countries such as Sweden and Germany. The influx of refugees traversing the areas near the Croatia-Serbia border has raised concerns that refugees will encounter residual landmine contamination in Croatia as they make their way to Slovenia and Hungary. The contamination dates back to the four-year conflict which followed the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995. The Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC) estimates that …


Clearing The Falkland-Malvinas Islands, Robert Keeley Jul 2009

Clearing The Falkland-Malvinas Islands, Robert Keeley

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Under pressure from nations around the world and in compliance with Article 5 of the Ottawa Convention, the United Kingdom has committed to demining the Falkland-Malvinas Islands despite the potential cost of demining in arelatively mine-safe area.


Cultivating A Broader Base For Landmine Action, Tammie Warmus, Maggie Emery Jul 2008

Cultivating A Broader Base For Landmine Action, Tammie Warmus, Maggie Emery

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

With the total number of landmine victims increasing daily and the level of donor commitment decreasing, it is more important than ever to build a broader base of interest and support for landmine victim assistance, often a lifelong need. The Coffeelands Landmine Victims’ Trust is an initiative that attempts to do just that by engaging the coffee industry and consumers


Iraq Facing The Legacy Of Landmines And Explosive Remnants Of War, Salomon Schreuder Apr 2008

Iraq Facing The Legacy Of Landmines And Explosive Remnants Of War, Salomon Schreuder

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In this article the author describes the recent history and current state of mine-action efforts in Iraq. The author argues for a larger focus on these issues and for a comprehensive approach, linking other humanitarian efforts with mine action.


Landmines/Explosive Remnants Of War And The War On Terrorism In The Middle East And North Africa (Mena), Ayman Sorour Apr 2008

Landmines/Explosive Remnants Of War And The War On Terrorism In The Middle East And North Africa (Mena), Ayman Sorour

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article looks at the relationship between the existing landmine and explosive remnants of war problem in the Middle East and North Africa, and terrorist activities in the area by explaining the scope of the mine/ERW problem in the region; the huge availability of explosives for use in illegal activities, particularly terrorism; and the case of Algeria and Egypt being affected by recent terrorist acts.


As Mines Grow Old, Colin King Apr 2008

As Mines Grow Old, Colin King

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In most cases, the mines being cleared around the world were emplaced decades ago; yet the techniques and equipment being used during clearance treat them as though they were new. The author looks briefly at the effects of ageing on mines and considers possible implications.


Proud Students Against Landmines, Cisr Journal Mar 2008

Proud Students Against Landmines, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

At St. Francis de Sales Central Catholic School in Morgantown, West Virginia, which has students ranging from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, what began in 1998 as an art project with old shoes became an inspiration for social justice and change. Today, a small organization of students at St. Francis, known as the Proud Students Against Landmines, or PSALM, meets once a week in the school art room to work on projects related to mine action.


The Rise Of Erw As A Threat To Civilians, Mohamed Taghioullah Ould Nema Nov 2006

The Rise Of Erw As A Threat To Civilians, Mohamed Taghioullah Ould Nema

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In this article, the author looks at the rise of landmines and ERW as military tactics from the First World War to current conflicts. The safety risk their presence poses and various measures to protect civilians are also discussed.


A Rose By Any Other Name: The Interrelationship Of Landmines And Other Explosive Remnants Of War, Richmond H. Dugger Iii Aug 2006

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.


An Alternative Perspective On Landmines And Vulnerable Populations, Shelby Weitzel Aug 2006

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.


Comprehensive Action Against Landmines In Ecuador, Guillermo Leal Nov 2004

Comprehensive Action Against Landmines In Ecuador, Guillermo Leal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

During the conflict of 1995 between Ecuador and Peru, a number of minefields were sown along the disputed border area. Although statistics concerning the problem have been difficult to obtain, anti-personnel mines represent a serious threat to the local populations. Many inhabitants have been forced to alter their traditional agricultural lifestyles as well as other daily activities such as cattle ranching, hunting and fishing.


Engaging Non-State Actors In The Fight Against Landmines: A Key To Negotiating Peace In Colombia, Elisabeth Reusse-Decrey Nov 2004

Engaging Non-State Actors In The Fight Against Landmines: A Key To Negotiating Peace In Colombia, Elisabeth Reusse-Decrey

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Today, one of the populations in the world that suffers the most from landmine use by armed non-state actors (NSAs) is the population of Colombia. Since 2003, Geneva Call, a humanitarian, independent and neutral international organisation dedicated to engaging NSAs in a total ban against anti-personnel landmines, has established a line of communication with Colombian armed groups. With the support of the national government and the collaboration of the Colombian Campaign Against Landmines—a partner organisation—representatives of Geneva Call have met with members of the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Colombia, other local and indigenous organisations, as well as members …


The Truth About Flails, Cisr Jmu Oct 2003

The Truth About Flails, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Developed in the 1940s for use in World War II Europe, the flail was designed and proliferated to satisfy the demining community’s hunger for faster, safer and more efficient clearance methods. Despite being the most widely used mechanical demining tool in the world, the flail has been labeled by many experts as overused and misrepresented. Still, others believe the flail is an indispensable part of their demining program.


Socio-Economic Impact Of Landmines In Iraq, Cisr Jmu Aug 2003

Socio-Economic Impact Of Landmines In Iraq, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Years of war and internal conflict have left Iraq littered with landmines, UXO and stockpiled munitions. Mr. Johan Van Der Merwe of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and Colonel Lionel Dyck, MineTech chairman, describe the hazards Iraqis face that threaten normal activity and disrupt socio-economic redevelopment.


Use Of Landmines In Azerbaijan And Its Consequences, Hafiz Safikhanov Aug 2003

Use Of Landmines In Azerbaijan And Its Consequences, Hafiz Safikhanov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenian over the last decade featured the widespread use of landmines. While the Journal of Mine Action does not take a position on which nation opened hostilities or first employed landmines against the other, the author of the following article lays out his interpretation of the major events of the conflict as well as the possibility of both countries banning landmines in the near future.


Victim Assistance In Iraq, Cisr Jmu Aug 2003

Victim Assistance In Iraq, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Large amounts of UXO and mines left behind from the continuing conflict in Iraq have resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of victims. This article was written while the coalition forces were still engaged in conventional combat prior to the fall of Saddam Hussein.


Costa Rica: The First Country In Latin America Free Of Anti-Personnel Landmines, Jaime Perales, Carl Case Apr 2003

Costa Rica: The First Country In Latin America Free Of Anti-Personnel Landmines, Jaime Perales, Carl Case

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

On December 10, 2002, Costa Rica declared itself the first country free from anti-personnel landmines in the Western Hemisphere. Placed in hills and brooks, bridges and roads, mines and UXO were buried for more than 15 years during the conflict in Central America.


Landmines: A Survivor’S Tale, Ken Rutherford Dec 2002

Landmines: A Survivor’S Tale, Ken Rutherford

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

I am a bilateral lower leg amputee as a result of a 1993 landmine accident in Somalia. Many readers of the Journal of Mine Action know the horrible landmine casualty statistics and facts. I hope that you will also contribute to making the world safer for all of us and help prevent similar stories.


The Challenge Of Prosthetic Services In Developing Countries, Michael Lundquist Dec 2002

The Challenge Of Prosthetic Services In Developing Countries, Michael Lundquist

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Providing landmine victims and other disabled persons with the support and services they need to recover can be a challenging process in developing countries. The author describes that a holistic approach to rehabilitative care is necessary and applies this principle to community-based rehabilitation (CBR).


Upsetting Lives: The Public Health Impact Of Landmines In Africa, Sarah Taylor Dec 2002

Upsetting Lives: The Public Health Impact Of Landmines In Africa, Sarah Taylor

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Affecting Africans both directly and indirectly, landmines seriously weaken the public health of entire nations. Several experts in the field offer their interpretations of this complicated issue.


Landmines: The World Takes Action, Sarah Campbell Dec 2002

Landmines: The World Takes Action, Sarah Campbell

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Educational and comprehensive, this CD provides thorough mine action information.


Chad, Country Profile Aug 2002

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 Aug 2002

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.


Burundi, Country Profile Aug 2002

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 …


Halo Trust In Angola, David Hartley Aug 2002

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.