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Articles 1 - 11 of 11
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mine Action In Yemen: An Example Of Success, Faiz Mohammad
Mine Action In Yemen: An Example Of Success, Faiz Mohammad
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
During the past 30 years, from the revolution to the period of civil confrontation in 1994, Yemen has witnessed a number of conflicts, each leaving behind a significant level of problems with mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). In 2000, a Landmine Impact Survey (LIS) was carried out in Yemen. The survey provided vital information about the landmine and ERW impact on the Yemeni communities. A total of 592 communities were identified as heavily impacted by landmines and ERW. Fourteen communities, with a population totaling 36,000, were found to be highly impacted, while medium or low impact was reported …
Angola, Country Profile
Angola, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Since it gained independence from Portugal in 1975, Angola has faced many landmine challenges as a result of civil wars. Mines that were laid during conflicts now litter the environment, blocking roads and bridges and contaminating agricultural fields. These mines prove a constant threat to the people of the country as well as to those who are working to prevent future accidents through mine removal. Fernando Arroyo of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Huambo, Angola, said, “Everyone ... appears to have buried landmines here. You’ll find Portuguese mines from the 1960s, Cuban mines from …
Colombia, Country Profile
Colombia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Colombia is the only country in Latin America where landmines are still being emplaced, and it is also considered the country most affected by landmines in the Western Hemisphere. The severity of the landmine problem in Colombia is a result of the ongoing 40-year internal conflict among armed rebel groups. Illegal armed groups are responsible for placing over 80,000 mines in Colombia's rural areas. Of Colombia's 1,119 municipalities, one out of two is affected by mines across 31 of its 32 departments; essentially, half of the country's territory is affected. Colombia ranks fourth in the world behind Chechnya, Afghanistan and …
Ethiopia And Eritrea, Country Profile
Ethiopia And Eritrea, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Today, Ethiopia and Eritrea are two separate countries with individual governments and distinctly different mine action programs. So why, then, are they consistently grouped together when discussing mine action? Phil Lewis, Program Manager of United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea Mine Action Coordination Center (UNMEE MACC), explains that "historically, the ties between these two countries have always been very close. It is thus not surprising that the countries are consistently grouped together even when talking about mine action; however, ... it is critical to keep in mind that each country has its own idiosyncrasies that explain and impact the …
Croatia, Country Profile
Croatia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In the 1990s, the collapse of the former Soviet Union led to the eventual disintegration of Yugoslavia. Consequently, the Croatian government’s decision to break away from Yugoslavia in 1991 prompted resistance from Belgrade and an uprising by the Serbian minority. During these years of conflict, all involved parties laid landmines as both offensive and defensive weapons against enemy forces. The mines were used to protect areas of strategic and economic importance, such as railway lines, power stations and pipelines. After Croatia’s secession in 1991, the country went to war with the Serbs, specifically over the area known as Slavonia. The …
Iraq, Country Profile
Iraq, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Some of the landmines uncovered in Iraq in recent years date as far back as World War II and many are left over from previous conflicts that were meant to isolate or expel citizens from the country. In the 1960s and 1970s, Iraqis utilized landmines against Kurdish mountain fighters to prevent military action by the Kurds. Numerous mines were laid during the Iraq/Iran war of 1980–1988, as well.
Kosovo, Country Profile
Vietnam, Country Profile
Bosnia And Herzegovina, Country Profile
Bosnia And Herzegovina, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
After the death of Yugoslavia's ruler, Marshal Josip Broz Tito, in 1980, the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) divided into five separate countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), and the Republic of Macedonia. Since that period, BiH has faced many changes. Shortly after its declaration of independence from the SFRY in March of 1992, the country broke out in conflict that lasted three years and resulted in three million displaced persons, over 250,000 dead or missing, and 170,000 wounded. Hostile action was primarily conducted by the Bosnian government army, the …
Afghanistan, Country Profile
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 …
Cambodia, Country Profile
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.