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 41
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Angola Lis: Guidelines For Using Lis Results In Mine Action Annual Planning, Charles Downs
Angola Lis: Guidelines For Using Lis Results In Mine Action Annual Planning, Charles Downs
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Survey Action Center and Comissâo Nacional Intersectorial de Desminagem e Assistência Humanitária carried out the Angola Landmine Impact Survey. In July 2006, SAC sent the author on the first of three planned missions to Angola as Technical Advisor for the completion of the LIS. This article explains the Provisional Provincial Reports, which contain a section of guidelines on the use of LIS results for operational planning. The National Mine Action Strategy for Angola was developed based on interim LIS results, and the detailed data supporting those results are made freely available to all interested parties.
What Ever Happened To…?, Paddy Blagden
What Ever Happened To…?, Paddy Blagden
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article covers the activities of the Japan Alliance for Humanitarian Demining Support in Thailand, and can be seen as a sequel to the article, “They Started With a Temple,” found in Issue 7.2 of the Journal of Mine Action which described the expansion of JAHDS from a small, research-based nongovernmental organization into a capable, effective mine-clearance nongovernmental organization in Thailand. Things have changed since then, and this article gives the rest of the story.
Mine-Action Capacity Development At A Crossroads, Dennis Barlow, Daniele Ressler
Mine-Action Capacity Development At A Crossroads, Dennis Barlow, Daniele Ressler
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Capacity development is a central part of sustainable mine action. As a concept, capacity development has evolved over time but even now there is not an agreed-upon definition. While the mine action sector has made progress in encouraging the development of national capacity in many countries, there is still much that can be done to promote strong, capable institutions—both within the mineaction field and beyond.
Joint Analysis Of Landmine Impact And Human Development Surveys In Armenia, Aldo Benini, Charles Conley
Joint Analysis Of Landmine Impact And Human Development Surveys In Armenia, Aldo Benini, Charles Conley
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In Armenia, the UNDP implemented a Landmine Impact Survey as well as a Human Development Survey, although separately from each other. The authors, by linking the two data bodies, demonstrate new findings about mine-affected communities in a poverty-alleviation perspective.
Clearing The Way In Azerbaijan, Samir Poladov
Clearing The Way In Azerbaijan, Samir Poladov
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The expansion of clearance activities in Azerbaijan has been largely due to the creation of an Emergency Response Team and the implementation of new tools. Thanks to these additions, ANAMA has been able to respond quickly to requests for clearance in residential areas and in the field.
Regional Mine Action As A Confidence-Building Measure, Jernej Cimperšek, Iztok Hočevar
Regional Mine Action As A Confidence-Building Measure, Jernej Cimperšek, Iztok Hočevar
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The mine-action cooperation through regional workshops described in this article tested the effectiveness of this cooperation as a confidence-building measure among neighbouring states and former combatants.
Demining Of Underground Adits In Ukraine, Yurii Kolisnyk
Demining Of Underground Adits In Ukraine, Yurii Kolisnyk
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
During World War II the Soviet Union established ammunition depots with over 10,000 metric tons (11,023 U.S. tons) of explosives around the Ukrainian towns of Sevastopol and Kerch. Stored in adits, these explosives threaten the peaceful lives of present-day Ukrainians. In 2002, teams began the task of removing unexploded ordnance, landmines and debris. They encountered many problems while pursuing their goal of eliminating these stockpiles by 2010. Their efforts are described in this article.
International Eurasia Press Fund Works In Azerbaijan, Cisr Journal
International Eurasia Press Fund Works In Azerbaijan, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Problems with explosive remnants of war in Azerbaijan stem from emplacement of mines by the Soviet Union between 1988 and 1994. Mines were used along Azerbaijan’s expansive border region and military installations. More recently, ERW have been left behind from Azerbaijan’s battles over territorial integrity. The International Eurasia Press Fund has developed a program to address the needs of mine victims in one of the country’s most heavily mined regions. The Mine Victims’ Association of the Terter district is working to rehabilitate victims in numerous ways, providing participants with the skills and information they need to lead productive, independent lives …
Implementing The Ottawa Convention In Southeast Europe: Meeting Expectations In A Challenging Environment, Kerry Brinkert
Implementing The Ottawa Convention In Southeast Europe: Meeting Expectations In A Challenging Environment, Kerry Brinkert
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
As the 10-year deadline for fulfilling Article 5 of the Ottawa Convention is rapidly approaching for the first States that ratified or acceded to the Convention, each State Party faces the requirement that all known anti-personnel mines be destroyed. The author examines the progress and challenges that remain in Southeast Europe regarding Article 5 implementation
Safe And Efficient Use Of Mine Dogs In The Republic Of Croatia, Mirko Ivanušić, Davor Laura, Željko Šarić
Safe And Efficient Use Of Mine Dogs In The Republic Of Croatia, Mirko Ivanušić, Davor Laura, Željko Šarić
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In this article, the authors discuss the use of mine-detecting dogs in the mine-action community as a whole, using the Republic of Croatia as an example. Specifically, they describe guidelines that must be followed to ensure MDDs are employed properly and maintain a high level of effectiveness.
Perspectives On Capacity Development, Daniele Ressler
Perspectives On Capacity Development, Daniele Ressler
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
On 30 March 2007, Daniele Ressler interviewed Sara Sekkenes, Senior Programme Advisor and Team Leader for Mine Action and Small Arms in the United Nations Development Programme’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery. The interview was conducted to learn more about Sekkenes’ and the UNDP’s views on the role of capacity development in mine action. Lessons learned from past UNDP capacity-building activities are highlighted, as well as plans for future activities and the process of mainstreaming mine action.
Building Prosthetics & Orthotics Capacity In The Balkans, Nikola Prvulov, Justyna Przygocka, William K. Smith
Building Prosthetics & Orthotics Capacity In The Balkans, Nikola Prvulov, Justyna Przygocka, William K. Smith
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The government of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has been working with the Northwestern University Prosthetics/Orthotics Center in developing the Center for International Rehabilitation’s distance learning program to give formal training to experienced prosthetic technicians since 2003. In January 2006, the program’s first students graduated with an International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics Category II certificate. The efforts of the CIR have led to the formation of the BiH Association of Orthopedic Technology, which is in the process of creating an ISPO regional center.
Unsung Hero: Alison Bock, Cisr Journal
Unsung Hero: Alison Bock, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
As the founder and president of Landmines Blow!®, Alison Bock has built an influential organization that raises awareness about landmines and unexploded ordnance, and helps victims all over the world. In the eyes of many people, Bock is truly an Unsung Hero.
Unsung Hero: Vanja Jokic Raznjevic, Cisr Journal
Unsung Hero: Vanja Jokic Raznjevic, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
As a single mother, Vanja Raznjevic felt that she had no other choice than to apply for a demining position with Norwegian People’s Aid. “I needed a job,” says Raznjevic, “and this job seemed really normal for me because I spent time [in Croatia] during the war and became accustomed to danger.”
Cen Workshop Agreements For Test And Evaluation Of Humanitarian Demining Equipment, Franciska Borry
Cen Workshop Agreements For Test And Evaluation Of Humanitarian Demining Equipment, Franciska Borry
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Comité Européen de Normalisation has organised workshops to aid the establishment of standard methodologies for demining. This article discusses the workshops and the agreements reached in those workshops. The author includes a list of contacts for additional information on demining equipment and methods.
2007 Marks 10th Anniversary Of Mine Action Standards, Faiz Paktian
2007 Marks 10th Anniversary Of Mine Action Standards, Faiz Paktian
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The International Mine Action Standards are guidelines set by the United Nations to implement mine action programs safely and effectively. The author discusses the purpose and processes of the IMAS as well as provides various references for those interested in learning more about the IMAS.
The Mine Injury And Trauma Seminar: A Way To Save Lives, Adam Kushner, Md
The Mine Injury And Trauma Seminar: A Way To Save Lives, Adam Kushner, Md
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The author describes his journey to Ecuador for a seminar he was invited to teach for medical personnel working in or around demining sites. Working with the Organization of American States, the author developed a seminar to teach mine-clearance experts what actions to take if someone is injured by a mine, enabling personnel to react to multiple types of stimuli while working in the field. The author explains the details of this seminar and why it is an important part of the mine-action process. He also provides information on Ecuador’s own mine problem.
The Child To Adult Method In Mine Risk Education, Mudhafar Aziz Hamad
The Child To Adult Method In Mine Risk Education, Mudhafar Aziz Hamad
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The author explains a child-to-adult approach to mine-risk education and how it uses the power of children as “little” MRE instructors in their communities. As part of this method, children use MRE lessons to teach adults and peers in their homes about the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Armed Non-State Actors: Their Contribution To Solving The Landmine Problem, Anki Sjöberg
Armed Non-State Actors: Their Contribution To Solving The Landmine Problem, Anki Sjöberg
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Armed non-state actors are currently involved as fighting parties in conflicts all over the world; hence, for a true universalization of the rules and principles of human rights and international humanitarian law, the involvement of NSAs must be considered. This is equally true for prohibiting the use of AP mines because NSAs currently employ these devices. As NSAs are part of the problem, any solution must include them.
Quality Management In Demining Organisations, Charles Loxton
Quality Management In Demining Organisations, Charles Loxton
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In this article, the International Standards Organization 9001:2000 Quality Management System is compared to what leading actors in quality management and business management deem to be current best practise. The aim of this paper is to show the universal application of the ISO 9001:2000 system as a quality-management system and that it complies with best practises in business and quality management around the world. This article will highlight a few of the most important ISO clauses and show how they are supported by best practises.
The Mine-Action Process In Iraqi Kurdistan, Jamal Jalal Hussein
The Mine-Action Process In Iraqi Kurdistan, Jamal Jalal Hussein
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency has been working to clear Kurdistan of landmines and unexploded ordnance that were placed by the former Iraqi government over the past 40 years and the Iranian Army during the Iran-Iraq War from 1980–1988. The Agency is overcoming many challenges and has cleared a vast number of minefields so the land can be handed back to the owners. Casualties from explosive remnants of war are extremely high but a new mine-risk-education program will inform people who live in dangerous areas how to minimize the threat of explosive remnants of war.
International Symposium Draws 170 Participants, Lois Carter Fay
International Symposium Draws 170 Participants, Lois Carter Fay
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Numerous key figures in mine action recently gathered in Croatia to attend the international symposium, “Humanitarian Demining 2007–Mechanical Demining.” The symposium featured several presentations on demining, including a live field demonstration, discussed in detail here.
Albania, Country Profile
Albania, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
For many citizens of Albania the current mine problem is a haunting reminder of the Kosovo Crisis of 1999. Upon returning home after an evacuation of the Albania- Kosovo border area, residents discovered the border polluted with mines and unexploded ordnance.
Azerbaijan, Country Profile
Azerbaijan, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
From 1988 to 1994, Azerbaijan was engaged in an armed conflict with its neighbor Armenia and armed forces of the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. A ceasefire was negotiated in 1994, but a peace agreement is still underway. During the conflict, both sides used landmines. Forces from both Armenia and the self-declared Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh currently occupy about 20 percent of land within Azerbaijan, making demining difficult in those areas.
Belarus, Country Profile
Belarus, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
An heir to massive Soviet stockpiles of anti-personnel mines and other munitions, Belarus has been actively facing its extensive explosive legacy through significant destruction of this explosive ordnance. Belarus is also affected by unexploded and abandoned ordnance left in large part from heavy fighting between German and Soviet troops during World War II and, to a lesser degree, minefields laid by both sides. Additional explosive remnants of war come from World War I and the 18th and 19th century's Napoleonic wars.
Chechnya, Country Profile
Chechnya, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
More than a decade of conflict between Russian armed forces and Chechen separatists has left Chechnya polluted with landmines, improvised explosive devices and unexploded bombs. Although clearance has been limited, organizations such as UNICEF have brought victim assistance and mine-risk education to Chechnya and its neighboring regions.
Croatia, Country Profile
Croatia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
On 25 June 1991, Croatia became an independent nation. Serbian and Yugoslav forces soon invaded the country, with the area known as Slavonia being a major battleground changing hands frequently throughout the conflict. The Dayton Peace Accords in November 1995 ended the fighting and Slavonia returned to Croatia on 15 January 1998. In 2003 Croatia applied for European Union membership and in 2004 received official candidate status. Prime Minister Ivo Sanader stated that 2007 is a critical year if Croatia wishes to become an EU member. While not directly included in these discussions, Croatia’s substantial mine-affected areas are seen as …
Georgia, Country Profile
Georgia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Since Georgia claimed independence in 1991 from the former USSR, periods of war and unrest have disrupted the country, particularly within the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. During these conflicts all sides emplaced mines in both regions. Landmines and other explosive remnants of war also remain following the withdrawal of Russian forces after the USSR dissolved.
Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia, Country Profile
Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
<-Ten years after gaining independence, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia faced the uprising of an armed group of ethnic Albanians demanding greater civil rights. The hostility between the ethnic Albanians—who called themselves the National Liberation Army—and the Macedonian government lasted seven months and ended with the signing of the Framework Agreement in August 2001. This conflict, in addition to World Wars I and II, left Macedonia with contamination from landmines and other explosive remnants of war along the northern borders with Kosovo and Albania and the southern border with Greece. In September 2006, five years after the end of the internal conflict, Macedonia completed landmine clearance and continues to work towards clearance of other ERW.
Nagorno-Karabakh, Country Profile
Nagorno-Karabakh, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
On the border between the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan, gunfire can be heard on a daily basis. These occurrences, along with the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance, are reminders of the long-standing tensions between the populations of the self-proclaimed Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and the country of Azerbaijan.