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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mine Action And Food Security: The Complexities Of Clearing Ukraine's Agricultural Lands, Markus Schindler, Anthony Connell
Mine Action And Food Security: The Complexities Of Clearing Ukraine's Agricultural Lands, Markus Schindler, Anthony Connell
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Over the past decade, peace has eluded Ukraine. The annexation of Crimea and a separatist insurgency—sufficiently concerning in their own right—proved to be a mere prelude to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The largest land-war that Europe has seen since the Second World War is causing immense human suffering, devastating destruction, and extensive explosive remnants of war (ERW) contamination. Mines, submunitions, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) continue to cost the lives of countless civilians and the death toll is rising by the day. Mine action organizations such as Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD) are working in Ukraine to …
How Uav Lidar Imaging Can Locate And Map Minefield Features: Cuito Cuanavale, Angola, Katherine James, Gert Riemersma, Pedro Pacheco
How Uav Lidar Imaging Can Locate And Map Minefield Features: Cuito Cuanavale, Angola, Katherine James, Gert Riemersma, Pedro Pacheco
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In this article we outline how an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mounted light detection and ranging (Lidar) mapping system has been used for the detection and mapping of minefields in vegetated areas around Cuito Cuanavale, Angola. Work took place as part of The HALO Trust’s (HALO) research into aiding clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) using drones.
Environmental Mainstreaming In Mine Action: A Case Study Of Moving Beyond "Do No Harm", Emily Chrystie
Environmental Mainstreaming In Mine Action: A Case Study Of Moving Beyond "Do No Harm", Emily Chrystie
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Interest within the mine action sector in mainstreaming environmental issues has rocketed in the past few years. The establishment of cross-sector working groups, the investigatory work of organizations such as the Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS), and increased donor interest in directing funds toward environmental projects are arguably the result of broad scientific consensus on the increasingly destructive effects of anthropogenic forces on global ecosystems.
The well-established concept of do no harm1 is a framework commonly applied in the broader humanitarian sector and has been put forward as directly applicable to environmental concerns within mine action.2 The concept broadly reflects …
Land-Grabbing, Tribal Conflict, And Settler-Nomad Disputes: Land Rights In Mine Action, Nicholas Ross
Land-Grabbing, Tribal Conflict, And Settler-Nomad Disputes: Land Rights In Mine Action, Nicholas Ross
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Mine action is intrinsically linked to land rights. While mine action creates multi-dimensional positive humanitarian and development impacts, clearance of explosive ordnance (EO) and land release can lead to competition, contestation, and potential conflict over that land. Settled farmers lay claim and block access to lands which nomadic pastoralists traverse or use for grazing. Local strongmen grab and confiscate land. Families returning from displacement find their ancestral lands seized. And governments and citizens may have very different ideas about who should own lands close to communities which, following EO clearance, are now more productive, where resources are more accessible, and …
Imas: An Overview Of New And Amended Standards, Abigail Hartley, Lionel Pechera, Sasha Logie
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.
Mine Action And South-South Cooperation: Case Of Jica And Cmac, Hayashi Ontoku Akihito
Mine Action And South-South Cooperation: Case Of Jica And Cmac, Hayashi Ontoku Akihito
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
South-South cooperation has been pursued across various fields of international development. However, there has been a paucity of efforts to promote South-South cooperation in mine action. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Cambodia Mine Action Centre (CMAC) have been at the forefront of expanding South-South and global cooperation by leveraging CMAC's extensive experience and expertise accumulated over its thirty years’ of operation. This article delves into the motives and mechanisms behind JICA’s and CMAC's joint efforts to foster this collaboration.
Mine Mark Digital Eore: Being Innovative As A Small Ngo In The Mine Action Sector, Nils Hegel, Jonathan Walsh
Mine Mark Digital Eore: Being Innovative As A Small Ngo In The Mine Action Sector, Nils Hegel, Jonathan Walsh
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Children account for approximately one-third of all civilian casualties caused by unexploded ordnance (UXO), yet explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) for young people is often outdated, dry, or too technical.1 In this article, the Mine Mark Foundation outlines the promising potential for digital EORE, the challenges and opportunities faced by smaller nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the benefits they can offer the global mine action community.
Computer Vision Detection Of Explosive Ordnance: A High-Performance 9n235/9n210 Cluster Submunition Detector, Adam Harvey, Emile Lebrun
Computer Vision Detection Of Explosive Ordnance: A High-Performance 9n235/9n210 Cluster Submunition Detector, Adam Harvey, Emile Lebrun
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The detection of explosive ordnance (EO) objects is experiencing a period of innovation driven by the convergence of new technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, open-source intelligence (OSINT) processing, and remote mobility capabilities such as drones and robotics.1 Advances are being made on at least two tracks: in the automated searching of photographic image archives, and in the real-time detection of objects in the field.2 Different technologies are responsive to different types of EO detection challenges, such as objects that are buried, semi-buried, or partially damaged. Computer vision—a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables computers and systems …
A Virtual Reality Application For The Training Of Deminers, Lynn Al Khansa, Elias Bou Saada, Rachid Maalouf, Mohammed Al-Husseini Ph.D., Ali El-Hajj Ph.D., Mohammed Baydoun Ph.D., Hassan Ghaziri Ph.D.
A Virtual Reality Application For The Training Of Deminers, Lynn Al Khansa, Elias Bou Saada, Rachid Maalouf, Mohammed Al-Husseini Ph.D., Ali El-Hajj Ph.D., Mohammed Baydoun Ph.D., Hassan Ghaziri Ph.D.
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
As virtual reality (VR) tools continue to improve, more fields are finding ways of implementing the technology to take advantage of training opportunities that reduce costs, alleviate logistical challenges, and more. Where humanitarian deminers must prepare for dangerous work, VR facilitates training that minimizes the danger while giving trainers a level of control over the different conditions of the training and the ability to easily monitor and instruct the user. For this purpose, the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the Beirut Research and Innovation Center (BRIC) developed a VR application for the basic training of deminers, which is called …
Data-Driven Decision-Making In Southeast Asia, Mikael Bold, David Avenell
Data-Driven Decision-Making In Southeast Asia, Mikael Bold, David Avenell
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Automated management information systems to enhance decision-making abilities are becoming more important today. Funding and resources are scarce, but technological developments are making it possible to conduct sophisticated analyses that will enhance planning and prioritization: doing more with less. Centered around optimization and efficiency, the geographic information system (GIS) tools provided by Esri1 have been crucial in providing MAG (Mines Advisory Group)with decision-making software.
Assisting Landmine Survivors In Yemen, Elise Becker, Tamara Klingsheim
Assisting Landmine Survivors In Yemen, Elise Becker, Tamara Klingsheim
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Over the past ten years, the Marshall Legacy Institute’s (MLI) Mine Victim’s Assistance Program (MVA) in Yemen has helped over 800 male, female, and child landmine survivors in Yemen. MLI and our in-country program partner have worked to identify survivors and provide them with the assistance they require, including prosthetic services, vocational training, and self-employment opportunities, to improve their lives and increase their prospects for a brighter future.
Remote Sensing And Artificial Intelligence In The Mine Action Sector, Martin Jebens, Rob White
Remote Sensing And Artificial Intelligence In The Mine Action Sector, Martin Jebens, Rob White
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Remote sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are included in discussions of how technology and innovation can improve humanitarian action and international peacekeeping. These technologies have the potential to improve the capacity to assess needs and to monitor changes on the ground and can be useful for both the mine action (MA) and broader humanitarian sectors. Even though remote sensing and AI are not the silver bullet in MA and come with several challenges (e.g., operational and data protection), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) believe that the integration …
Digital Rehabilitation Technologies Deliver Hope For Survivors, Abder Banoune
Digital Rehabilitation Technologies Deliver Hope For Survivors, Abder Banoune
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Humanity & Inclusion (HI) has been making prostheses and orthoses since its launch in refugee camps along the Thailand/Cambodia border in 1982, when it was known as Handicap International. The organization has since developed a global approach to disability, aiming to reduce poverty and situations of vulnerability, while working to ensure development and emergency responses are accessible to all. After nearly forty years of action, teams in fifty-five countries perform this critical work today.
First Steps To Limiting Conflict Pollution In Central Vietnam, Allan R. Vosburgh
First Steps To Limiting Conflict Pollution In Central Vietnam, Allan R. Vosburgh
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Awareness and concern are growing worldwide regarding pollution resulting from conflicts. In Vietnam, decades of wars have left a legacy of contaminated land and increasingly polluted water. Golden West Humanitarian Foundation (Golden West) believes future success in eliminating explosive remnants of war (ERW) will depend on highly-skilled, dedicated Vietnamese technicians who can apply training, tools, and techniques that mitigate ERW without unnecessarily adding new contaminants to the environment. Open detonations always contribute steel fragments and particles of explosive residue in the ground along with smoke and detonation products in the air. Golden West is helping to develop facilities, technology, and …
Managing Risk Through Transparency And Cooperation: Improving Lebanon’S Pssm Capacity, Jamie Mcghee
Managing Risk Through Transparency And Cooperation: Improving Lebanon’S Pssm Capacity, Jamie Mcghee
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Weapons and ammunition management (WAM) is a global issue in which nations are responsible for the physical security and stockpile management (PSSM) of weapons and ammunition to help mitigate weapons diversion and proliferation, and to prevent against an unplanned explosions at munitions sites (UEMS). Although in most instances preventable, UEMS incidents have increased, leading to significant loss of life, life-changing injuries to innocent civilians, and damage to property.¹
The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction, Issue 24.2 (2020), Cisr Jmu
The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction, Issue 24.2 (2020), Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
- Editorial: HMA and COVID-19: A Donor's Perspective
- Editorial: Time To Focus on Real Minefield Data
- Mine Action Information Management in Iraq and Northeast Syria
- IMAS 10.60 Update: Investigation and Reporting of Accidents and Incidents
- The Mine Free Sarajevo Project
- SALW in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the DRC
- Gender and Diversity in Mine Action
- Victim Assistance in Ukraine
- Landmines in the American Civil War
- Risk Education in Colombia
- R&D: The Odyssey2025 Project
From The Interim Director, Suzanne Fiederlein, Ph.D.
From The Interim Director, Suzanne Fiederlein, Ph.D.
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
We are living in uncertain times as we face an unprecedented global health crisis. In keeping with the tradition of adaptation and creativity in the mine action community, we have read numerous examples of national clearance programs and implementing partner organizations adjusting operations in order to continue survey, clearance, and risk education work in line with required COVID-19 restrictions. As some places begin to resume a greater range of activity, we recognize the threat presented by this new virus remains pronounced, and we wish all of you safety in your daily lives and good health.
Clearing Safe Spaces For Drought Affected Communities In Somaliland, Edward Lajoie, Megan Dwyer
Clearing Safe Spaces For Drought Affected Communities In Somaliland, Edward Lajoie, Megan Dwyer
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGO) working in the Horn of Africa consistently identify conflict and climate change as two primary drivers of insecurity in the region. The HALO Trust’s landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) clearance in the Republic of Somaliland over the last 19 years has been at the intersection of these two issues.
Lessons From The Past: The Rapid Clearance Of Denmark’S Minefields In 1945, Roly Evans
Lessons From The Past: The Rapid Clearance Of Denmark’S Minefields In 1945, Roly Evans
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The clearance of the vast majority of Denmark’s minefields during 1945 was remarkable. In just under five months, a force ranging between 750 and 2,600 German prisoners of war (POW) under the supervision of 250–350 Danish officers and noncommissioned officers cleared 1,389,281 mines from an area of 1,103.2 sq km (425.9 sq mi). Such speed of clearance stands in stark contrast with much of modern humanitarian mine action since the 1990s. This article will explain how such speed was possible and why it could not reasonably be repeated today. The article will also identify a number of important lessons that …
Minefield Sketch Maps In Humanitarian Mine Action, Jesse Hamlin, Luan Jaupi
Minefield Sketch Maps In Humanitarian Mine Action, Jesse Hamlin, Luan Jaupi
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Digital technology has the ability to bring minefield artifacts from the field to life. The HALO Trust (HALO) has been using Colortrac large format scanners in several programs around the world, to scan minefield sketch maps from the field, allowing these historical records to be viewed on desktop and laptop computers. Once the maps are scanned, they are geo-referenced in geographic information systems (GIS) to display alongside other layers, and used to allow HALO to build its database of activities through digitization of paper records alongside data that is recorded directly onto tablets.
Determining The Value Of Uavs In Iraq, Brad Alford, Edward Curran, Shawn Cole
Determining The Value Of Uavs In Iraq, Brad Alford, Edward Curran, Shawn Cole
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
As areas of Iraq and Syria controlled by ISIS are liberated, internally displaced persons (IDP) are returning to their homes to face widespread destruction and contamination from deadly improvised explosive devices (IED) implanted by ISIS to maim, kill, and terrorize. Janus Global Operations (Janus) currently operates throughout Iraq, clearing IEDs with a focus on bringing critical infrastructure online to allow IDPs to return safely and resume their lives.
Operating in urban environments has proven challenging due to the high volume of destroyed buildings and associated rubble. In urban environments, operators are exposed to uncertain situations when traditional detection methods can …
Why Is Water So Efficient At Suppressing The Effects Of Explosions?, Stephen Salter, John Parkes
Why Is Water So Efficient At Suppressing The Effects Of Explosions?, Stephen Salter, John Parkes
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
When most experienced explosives engineers first observe an explosion suppressed by bags of water, they are convinced that there has been a misfire. Depending on the amount of water and the way it is contained, the overpressure can be reduced by a factor of ten, sometimes more than twenty. The number of fragments from shell cases can be one hundred times less. Their velocities can be seven times. Slugs from focal point charges are stopped. Safety distances around magazines can be cut. The number of people evacuated from a bomb disposal site can be reduced. In June 1999, engineers from …
Mitigating Adverse Environmental Impacts In Mine Action, Martin Jebens, Gianluca Maspoli
Mitigating Adverse Environmental Impacts In Mine Action, Martin Jebens, Gianluca Maspoli
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In order to help mitigate adverse environmental impacts, this article supports the mainstreaming of environmental concerns into mine action. This is achievable by strengthening existing standards, and is motivated by two main factors.
The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction Issue 21.3 (2017), Cisr Jmu
The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction Issue 21.3 (2017), Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Editorial: IEDs and IMAS
Feature: Physical Security and Stockpile Management
in the SPOTLIGHT: Colombia
Field Notes
Research and Development
Crossing The Fence: Challenges Of Operationalizing Pssm, Elvan Isikozlu, Matthias Krötz, Claire Trancart
Crossing The Fence: Challenges Of Operationalizing Pssm, Elvan Isikozlu, Matthias Krötz, Claire Trancart
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Physical security and stockpile management (PSSM) can be broadly defined as a series of activities that make national stockpiles of weapons and ammunition safe and secure. Over the last decade, PSSM has become a highly requested form of intervention to curb the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons (SA/LW) and conventional ammunition (CA), as well as to keep communities safe from unintended explosions. Donors have provided substantial funding for PSSM activities to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, where we have learned that the impact of PSSM assistance depends a great deal on how actively improvements are maintained.
Maintaining PSSM …
From The Director, Ken Rutherford
From The Director, Ken Rutherford
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This June, the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) partnered with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) to facilitate the Southeast Asia Cluster Munition Remnants Survey (CMRS) Workshop in Washington, D.C. This two-day event, hosted by the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA), brought together a number of organizations working in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to discuss best practices in CMRS in the region.
Mediawiki: Supporting Imsma Documentation, Dionysia Kontotasiou, Olivier Cottray
Mediawiki: Supporting Imsma Documentation, Dionysia Kontotasiou, Olivier Cottray
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Over the last few years, wikis have arisen as powerful tools for collaborative documentation on the internet. The Encyclopedia Wikipedia has become a reference, and the power of community editing in a wiki allows people all over the world to contribute their knowledge. Use of a wiki for software documentation provides an effective collaboration tool as information can be easily fed into the system. Certain wiki implementations, such as MediaWiki, are project-oriented and include functionalities such as automatic page versioning, easy navigation, simple search mechanisms, as well as online, offline, and mobile usage.
Using Mobile Geographic Information Systems To Improve Operational Efficiency, Data Reliability, And Access In Mine Action, Paul Rittenhouse, Lindsay Aldrich
Using Mobile Geographic Information Systems To Improve Operational Efficiency, Data Reliability, And Access In Mine Action, Paul Rittenhouse, Lindsay Aldrich
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The inherently complex field of mine action, with its many political, financial, and physical considerations, is also a spatial, data-driven field; and as a result, geographic information systems (GIS) stand to play a major role. Spatial data can help address questions such as: Where are the hazardous areas and what has been cleared or cancelled? Where have teams already surveyed? Where should they go next? How many square meters have been cleared? Due to the complexities surrounding assigning tasks and prioritization, standard operating procedures (SOP), quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and database design, GIS often gets limited to high-level planning, database …
21st Century Survey In Eastern Ukraine And The Use Of Technology In Insecure Environments, Nick Torbet, Patrick Thompson
21st Century Survey In Eastern Ukraine And The Use Of Technology In Insecure Environments, Nick Torbet, Patrick Thompson
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The conflation of humanitarian and military spheres has long been a feature of modern conflict, restricting access to areas in which the need for humanitarian assistance is greatest. However, the advent of mobile technology has provided novel opportunities to circumvent old problems. In Ukraine, The HALO Trust’s (HALO) ability to conduct nontechnical survey is restricted in certain areas, and the security environment means this is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, HALO pioneered a number of techniques that allowed for systematic assessments of the region, painting a general picture of contamination that will facilitate pro-active non-technical survey once …
Mine Detecting Rats Make An Impact In Cambodia, Cynthia Fast, Håvard Bach, Paul Mccarthy, Christophe Cox
Mine Detecting Rats Make An Impact In Cambodia, Cynthia Fast, Håvard Bach, Paul Mccarthy, Christophe Cox
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Despite decades of national and international mine action efforts, Cambodia remains littered with landmines. The casualty rates are among the world’s highest, and there is considerable socioeconomic damage from landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). Cambodia has established the goal to clear all known minefields by 2025. To achieve this, funding must be secured, and land release rates must be increased. This can only be achieved by taking advantage of available resources and improving land release methodology.