Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding The Ottawa Convention’S Obligations To Landmine Victims, Kerry Brinkert

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Ottawa Convention is unique for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that the Convention has linked obligations concerning the use of a weapon with a requirement that Convention signatories assist a victim wounded by that weapon. When the Convention was adopted in September 1997, this aspect, while lauded by diplomats and activists, was certain to be a challenge to implement. The real work began once the Convention entered into force and states had to act on this responsibility. This article discusses in particular the Convention’s victim assistance obligations.

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.

The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 10.1 (2006), Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Feature: Explosive Remnants of War | Focus: Africa | Profiles | Making it Personal | Notes from the Field | Research and Development

Strategy For Mine Action - Sri Lanka 2006, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

The strategy of the Government of Sri Lanka is to address the mines problem in the Districts of Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Batticaloa and the Northern Border of Ampara District with a view to survey and clear all the mines in the High Priority areas and a major portion of the Medium Priority areas by mid-2007, except in the Jaffna and Trincomalee Districts. This strategy does not include any of the High Security Zones in the Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar and Trincomalee Districts. These areas are under the jurisdiction of the Sri Lanka Army, which is in occupation …

National Explosive Remnants Of War Response Study, Cambodia, Dave Mccracken, Bruce Powell, Leng Sochea

Global CWD Repository

The purpose of this study was to initiate a strategic dialogue through an assessment of the explosive remnants of war (ERW) issues facing the future of the mine action sector in Cambodia. The report takes stock of the mine action situation, analyses the broad issues of ERW contamination and determines the needs for an effective long-term National ERW Response thrugh the process of "End State Programming". It is the first step towards comprehending existing explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operational data and a wealth of un-analysed data on aerial bombardment that have not been fully exploited to define the scope of …

February 23, 2006, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2000-2009

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

A Regional Approach: Mine And Uxo Risk Reduction In Vietnam, Laos And Cambodia, Andrew Wells-Dang

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia have similar mine and unexploded ordnance risk problems, a regional approach may contribute to finding solutions for these three. Understanding common features and challenges is a first step toward reducing the number of casualties in the region.

Unsung Hero: Johan Van Der Merwe, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Personal experiences with landmines and 10 years of working in mine action have shaped Johan van der Merwe’s life and views on what needs to be done to create a safer world.

Unsung Hero: Chris North, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In many of his colleagues’ eyes, Chris North is someone who is determined to fight for mine action and make changes, whether those changes are through managing projects or expressive poetry. His unwavering dedication to mine action makes North a hero in his field.

Destroying The Mother Of All Arsenals: Captured Enemy Ammunition Operations In Iraq, George Zahaczewsky

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Although the much-publicized weapons of mass destruction have not been found in Iraq, less has been said about what munitions were found there, the hazards they present or the efforts of Coalition Forces to remove the stockpiles. This article gives a first-hand view of the perils in Iraq.

Laos, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.

Homeland Security: Engaging The Frontlines - Symposium Proceedings, George Baker, Cheryl Elliot

Selected Works

The rise of the American homeland security endeavor under the leadership of the new Department of Homeland Security has been heralded by several major national strategy documents. These documents have served to organize efforts at top levels within the government and industry. However, the national strategy guidance is not getting to many organizations and people at the grass-roots level who can make the most difference in preventing attacks, protecting systems, and recovering from catastrophic events, viz. the general citizenry, private infrastructure owners, and local governments. To better understand grass-roots issues and solutions, James Madison University, in cooperation with the Federal …

Mine Action: Lessons And Challenges, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Mine Action: Lessons and Challenges represents the views of selected experts as to what some of the key lessons have been, and what challenges remain for the future.

Following an Executive Summary of its main conclusions and findings, this work is laid out in two parts. Part I looks at the core activities — the “pillars” — of mine action: advocacy, victim assistance, mine risk education, demining (survey, marking and clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance) and stockpile destruction. Part II looks at key management issues, specifically, programme coordination and management, information management and capacity development. This work concludes with …

September 8, 2005, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2000-2009

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Mine Detection Dogs: Operations

Global CWD Repository

The study is laid out as four case studies of five organisations (two organisations in Croatia are described in one case study). A commentary is included in each case study as a discussion, and summarising comments are made in the final chapter.

Readers will recognise that each case study is essentially a snapshot of the operational structure of the organisation at the time that the study was done. MDD technology is still in development and all MDD systems are constantly being reviewed and updated. Several of the programmes studied here have undergone significant restructuring since the study was done. Thus …

Mine Detections Dogs: Operations - Case Studies Of Operational Systems, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

The study is laid out as four case studies of five organisations (two organisations in Croatia are described in one case study). A commentary is included in each case study as a discussion, and summarising comments are made in the final chapter. Readers will recognise that each case study is essentially a snapshot of the operational structure of the organisation at the time that the study was done. Each study took about a month to complete (including report writing) and seasonal and other limitations meant that it took several years to complete the series of studies. In each case, the …

Cambodia, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Considered one of the most heavily mine-affected countries in the world, Cambodia has endured a harsh history of warfare. The country's turmoil dates back to World War II, when UXO was strewn across the country. As one war ended, another was soon to come, and subsequently landmines were emplaced throughout Cambodia, increasing civilian casualties by the thousands. The French-Indochina Wars hit Cambodia during the 1950s and were followed by the South Vietnamese invasion from 1970 through 1975, when 539,129 tons of bombs were dropped over Cambodia. These weapons still pose a threat to Cambodians today.

A Study Of Manual Mine Clearance, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Manual mine clearance is the fundamental tenet of mine action, yet has never been thoroughly analysed. The GICHD has managed a study into manual mine clearance analysing the history, management, methodologies and systems in use, risk assessment and risk management of the process and product and costings of manual mine clearance programmes. The report published shows that, whilst safety has improved significantly since the early days of mine clearance, there are still room for improvements in many areas. The study identifies positive examples of innovation and novel techniques that improve productivity and ultimately value for the donor and end user …

Afghanistan, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mine-infested countries in the world. During a 10-year occupation beginning in 1979 followed by years of internal warfare, landmines were planted throughout the country. The most heavily impacted areas are near the borders of Pakistan and Iran. Following the Soviet occupation, over 800 square kilometers (308.88 square miles) were contaminated with landmines. The exact number of mines plaguing the country is unknown, as minefield records are still incomplete. With such a vast problem, there was an immense need for action. In 1989, a mine action program was developed that would later become one …

April 4, 2005, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2000-2009

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

What Rights For Mine Victims? Reparation, Compensation: From Legal Analysis To Political Perspectives., Hi

Global CWD Repository

The work that we are presenting today is not only a legal exploration of current or future possibilities, of difficulties and pitfalls, outrageous oversights. It should also be seen as an indignant protest against the nonchalance of States and the producers of lethal devices, little inclined to acknowledge and assume their responsibilities. It should also be heard as an appeal to organisations and authorities specialised in the accompaniment of victims, particularly legal accompaniment, to take up this issue. Finally, it is a way of saying to victims that their determination is not in vain, that political intent constantly needs pointing …

Post War Legacy And Poverty: Case Study Of The Landmine/Uxo Problem In Rural Communities In Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, Duong Trong Hue

Global CWD Repository

Examines the links between postwar landmine/UXO contamination and poverty in two communes of Quang Tri Province.

A Vulnerability Assessment Methodology For Critical Infrastructure Sites, George Baker

Selected Works

Highly efficient, complex, and interdependent infrastructure systems including electric power, telecommunications, transportation, water utilities, food distribution, housing and shelter, public health, finance and banking are foundations of modern societies. Over the last 3 years, the United States has become acutely aware of the importance of civil infrastructures and their criticality to the nation’s economy and quality of life. Our reliance on these systems makes them especially attractive targets for attack. To understand and correct exploitable susceptibilities of critical infrastructure facilities, infrastructure providers and regional planners need a common, repeatable, systematic methodology to understand the comparative risks and vulnerabilities and determine …

Non-State Actors In Sri Lanka, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

What happens when an irresistible force hits an immovable object? Something gives. Or does it? In the war-torn country of Sri Lanka, there remains a constant clash between the country's government and non-state actor (NSA) groups that terrorize the region and its people. The chief NSA that opposes the government is the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), an insurgency group whose goal is to form an independent state for the 3.2 million Tamil people that make up the minority ethnic community.

Non-State Actors In Colombia, Guatemala And Nicaragua, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The majority of wars fought in the last 50 years have involved non-state, anti-state or stateless actors. These groups, commonly referred to as insurgents, dissidents, freedom fighters, rebel groups or guerillas, act independently from recognized governments. These non-state actors (NSAs) typically use low-tech, homemade weapons, such as landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other small arms and light weapons to wage guerilla warfare. Civil war, economic instability and a booming illegal drug trade have resulted in a build-up of arms and have thus empowered Latin American NSAs. Due in part to growing insurgent strength, parts of Latin America has been …

October 14, 2004, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2000-2009

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

September 20, 2004, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2000-2009

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Ddasaccident424, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

Team No 2 was working to establish the location and dorecetion of the Mine Strip No 2 in the minefield HM-5 in area Thomaspuri. [The victim] was the Team Leader of Team No 2. One sub team of Team No , under supervision of [the victim] was clearing the working lane. Deminer [name excised] (mine detector operator) located a metal/mine signal. He immediately marked the location and informed the Team Leader. Then he withdrew to a safe distance. [The victim] Team Leader approached the marked location, searched for and recovered an anti-personnel mine P4 Mk1. He tried to neutralize the …

The Journal Of Mine Action Issue 8.1 (2004), Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Role of the Military in Mine Action

International Conference Sheds Light On Mine Action Trends And Concerns, Jan Cornelis, Hichem Sahli

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

During the "International Conference on Requirements and Technologies for the Detection, Removal and Neutralization of Landmines and UXO" held in Brussels September 15–18, 2003, many global viewpoints and models emerged from the discussions. Some of the ideas triggered strong emotional reactions during the conference. Several of the new ideas might have a short lifetime; others have the potential of forcing breakthroughs; and all of them are subject to further debate.