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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Chechnya, Country Profile Nov 2006

Chechnya, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

For the past 10 years, a violent conflict between the Russian military and Chechen rebels has resulted in accusations of kidnapping, rape, looting and other atrocities from both sides. Instances of violence constantly plague the Chechen population, including accidents involving unexploded ordnance and landmines.


Cambodia, Country Profile Nov 2006

Cambodia, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Cambodia is one of the countries most heavily contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance, a result of nearly three decades of conflict. The nation was occupied by the Japanese during World War II, and through the 1960s and 1970s Cambodia was involved in the Indochina Wars, seeing significant bombing. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge occupied Phnom Penh, taking over every town and city; they were not entirely removed from Cambodia until 1999. Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia in 1978 displaced the Khmer Rouge; the Vietnamese occupied Cambodia for 10 years, which invoked almost 13 years of civil war. Pol Pot, leader …


Iraq, Country Profile Nov 2006

Iraq, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Decades of internal conflict, a history overtaken with war and a delicate new government put Iraq in the midst of an explosive-remnants-of-war situation that is worsening as the security situation continues to deteriorate. The country's unstable nature poses a challenge for organizations that wish to provide much needed humanitarian assistance. Conflicts between ethnic and political parties, the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s, the 1991 Persian Gulf War and the more recent U.S.-led invasion in 2003 left the country's 169,234 square miles (438,314 square meters) riddled with landmines, unexploded ordnance and abandoned explosive ordnance.


Industrial Ammunition Stockpile Recovery: Saving Energy And Resources And Protecting The Environment, Erik Lauritzen, Mogens Straarup, Inés García Sánchez Nov 2006

Industrial Ammunition Stockpile Recovery: Saving Energy And Resources And Protecting The Environment, Erik Lauritzen, Mogens Straarup, Inés García Sánchez

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article presents the opportunities for the disposal of ammunition in an economically and environmentally feasible way, focusing on post-conflict disposal of larger stocks of ammunition with a special view to the ongoing Ammunition Stockpile Destruction Programme in Afghanistan managed by the Afghanistan New Beginning Programme. The contents of the article are based on the experiences gathered under the umbrella of the research and development programmes Western European Armament Group European Cooperation for the Long-Term in Defence and European Union L’Instrument Financier pour L’Environnement (EU LIFE), together with a study carried out for NATO’s Maintenance and Supply Agency, followed by …


Guinea Bissau, Country Profile Nov 2006

Guinea Bissau, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Past wars continue to haunt Guinea Bissau as remnants from previous conflicts are a constant reminder of what the country has undergone. Though the Liberation War lasted 11 years and finally ended in 1974, neighboring Senegal's internal conflict and Guinea Bissau's own civil war near the Casamance region would leave behind uglier scars.


The Human Face Of Eod, Howard M. Thompson Nov 2006

The Human Face Of Eod, Howard M. Thompson

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Being a specialist insurance broker to explosive-ordnance-disposal organisations around the world has provided Howard Thompson with the opportunity to be on the sidelines of the humanitarian-demining community. But during a 10-day visit to Cambodia, he was able to experience first-hand the significance of humanitarian demining and clearance. He writes about this experience here.


Imsma® Version 4: A Collaborative Approach, Daniele Ressler Nov 2006

Imsma® Version 4: A Collaborative Approach, Daniele Ressler

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

From July 24 to 27, 2006, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining hosted a workshop in Murten, Switzerland, to introduce and discuss the release of the Information Management System for Mine Action version 4. Participants included management, operations and technology professionals involved in mine-action information management. During this workshop, results from IMSMA v4 pilot field tests were presented, v4 changes and innovations were explained, and a demonstration of IMSMA v4 with new handheld and Geographic Information System components was offered. IMSMA v4 reflects a collaborative effort to improve the accuracy and ease of mine-action information management in the field.


Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield Nov 2006

Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining provides operational assistance to mine-action programmes and operators, creates and disseminates knowledge, works to improve quality management and standards, and provides support to instruments of international law.


Information Management System For Mine Action In Sudan, Mohammad Kabir Nov 2006

Information Management System For Mine Action In Sudan, Mohammad Kabir

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Information Management System for Mine Action is a globally used and internationally accepted database and software system that allows mine-action programmes to efficiently correlate and evaluate information. In addition, IMSMA provides powerful tools to rapidly disseminate information on hazardous areas and other important aspects of mine action by providing digital as well as printed maps and statistics.


Explosive Harvesting Program, Roger Hess Nov 2006

Explosive Harvesting Program, Roger Hess

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Explosive Harvesting Program is a research and development program funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program. The concept was designed by Golden West Humanitarian Foundation and is being jointly developed with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre.


Visor Scratch Repair And Prevention, Andrew Heafitz, Benjamin Linder, Marta Luczynska, Mark Scott Nov 2006

Visor Scratch Repair And Prevention, Andrew Heafitz, Benjamin Linder, Marta Luczynska, Mark Scott

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Severe eye injuries occur in 30 percent of demining accidents. Visors are known to be effective personal protective equipment when worn properly, but deminers often lift or remove their visors because scratches, glare or fog make them hard to see through, or because they are hot, heavy and uncomfortable to wear. Addressing each of these specific design problems could increase visor use and prevent a significant number of debilitating injuries. This paper presents methods for preventing and eliminating scratches on demining visors.


The Mine Action Express… Or The Wreck Of The ‘09, Dennis Barlow Nov 2006

The Mine Action Express… Or The Wreck Of The ‘09, Dennis Barlow

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The author discusses current challenges relating to an effective global mine action strategy; he considers approaches and policies that could enhance or impede demining efforts worldwide. There are many emerging concepts to consider in order to improve mine action, such as mainstreaming, risk management and national ownership. The author discusses potential future plans of action the community must undertake regarding these issues in order to deal effectively with landmines and explosive remnants of war.


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.


Successful Implementation Of Protocol V, Kerry Brinkert Nov 2006

Successful Implementation Of Protocol V, Kerry Brinkert

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Protocol V of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons recently entered into force, and the author hopes lessons learned from the operations of the Ottawa Convention can be applied to this Protocol.


Spacetoon Kids Tv: Educating Kids On Erw, Daniele Ressler Nov 2006

Spacetoon Kids Tv: Educating Kids On Erw, Daniele Ressler

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.


Kosovo, Country Profile Nov 2006

Kosovo, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

From 1998 to 1999, an internal struggle known as the Kosovo Conflict caused Kosovo, a U.N.-administered province of Serbia, to become littered with mines and unexploded ordnance, including cluster-bomb units. Since the conflict ended, mines and UXO have claimed hundreds of victims in Kosovo. Today, very little of the original contamination remains thanks to the success of Kosovo's excellent mine-action program.


Lebanon, Country Profile Nov 2006

Lebanon, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Lebanon has suffered from decades of conflict and periods of foreign occupation, leaving the country riddled with landmines and other explosive remnants of war. In July 2006, the country found itself at the center of international attention with the start of a 34-day conflict between Israel and the militant Shiite group Hezbollah, which operates out of the southern part of Lebanon. Of particular concern has been the reported use of cluster munitions by the Israel Defense Forces—who launched strikes on positions in southern Lebanon suspected to be occupied by Hezbollah militants—and the lasting post-conflict effects of unexploded submunitions.


Finally, Safe Demining, Vinicius Souza, Maria Eugênia Sá Nov 2006

Finally, Safe Demining, Vinicius Souza, Maria Eugênia Sá

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Following a series of mistakes that caused hundreds of accidents—many fatal—a new battalion of the National Police of Peru now ensures demining quality for 1,711 power transmission towers.


A Change Of Heart, Dahib Mohamed Odwaa Nov 2006

A Change Of Heart, Dahib Mohamed Odwaa

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Geedka Dheenta is a small village in Somaliland located 45 kilometres (28 miles) east of Hargeisa in a mountainous area on the road between Hargeisa and Berbera. With a population of approximately 390 inhabitants according to the Landmine Impact Survey conducted in 2003, its citizens usually go to Hargeisa (the capital of Somaliland) to sell their products. The villagers’ main income is from small irrigation farms surrounding the village where they raise fruits and vegetables such as pawpaw, oranges, greens, and tomatoes, as well as some livestock. During the civil war that broke out in Somalia in 1988, this farming …


Contributing To Progress In Sri Lanka, Liz Wegman Nov 2006

Contributing To Progress In Sri Lanka, Liz Wegman

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article highlights the activities of People to People International in Sri Lanka. As part of its commitment to Sri Lanka, PTPI not only assisted in the clearance of high-priority minefields, but also provided aid following the 2004 tsunami. Today, PTPI remains dedicated to helping the of Sri Lankan people.


Mine Victims Needs Assessment And Assistance Coordination, Aziz Aliyev, Rauf Mamedov, Umud Mirzoyev, Siyab Mamedov Nov 2006

Mine Victims Needs Assessment And Assistance Coordination, Aziz Aliyev, Rauf Mamedov, Umud Mirzoyev, Siyab Mamedov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

A UNICEF feasibility study conducted in early 2001 showed that medical and surgical facilities in Azerbaijan are adequate to meet the immediate needs of mine survivors. In general, physical rehabilitation facilities are also considered suitable; however, the lack of psycho-social support to assist mine survivors with a disability is of particular concern. The study concluded that an integrated and comprehensive assistance program could not be established for the mine victims of Azerbaijan until a needs assessment was completed. In response, Azerbaijan planned and conducted a national survey to assess mine victims’ needs, including prosthetic, social and economic needs, as a …


2006 Unmao Planning Process In Sudan, Hansie Heymans Nov 2006

2006 Unmao Planning Process In Sudan, Hansie Heymans

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

A national strategic framework for mine-action efforts in Sudan drives the development of several planning documents that involved several national and international organisations to ensure the successful implementation of a successful framework. The author discusses the development process for the various national mine-action planning documents.


Mine Action Support Group Update, Stacy Davis Nov 2006

Mine Action Support Group Update, Stacy Davis

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article contains excerpts from the United Nations’ third quarterly newsletter, which highlights the activities of the Mine Action Support Group from July to September 2006, including updates from the United Nations Mine Action Service, the United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF.


Book Review: Commentaries On Arms Control Treaties, Vol. 1, The Convention On The Prohibition Of The Use, Stockpiling, Production, And Transfer Of Anti-Personnel Mines And On Their Destruction, J. Peter Pham Nov 2006

Book Review: Commentaries On Arms Control Treaties, Vol. 1, The Convention On The Prohibition Of The Use, Stockpiling, Production, And Transfer Of Anti-Personnel Mines And On Their Destruction, J. Peter Pham

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Demining programs have evolved considerably since the first program for humanitarian demining, the Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan, began in 1988. Likewise, the legal bases for dealing with the problem of landmines have developed substantially from the minimalist 1980 Protocol II to the Convention on the Prohibition or Restriction on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to have Indiscriminate Effects, which entered into force in 1983, to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (also known as the …


Book Review: Angola—The Hope Of A People, Cisr Journal Nov 2006

Book Review: Angola—The Hope Of A People, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Brazilian photographers Vinicius Souza and Maria Eugênia Sá provide a glimpse of hope through their camera lenses in Angola—The Hope of a People. After many years of tumultuous civil war, these 48 powerful black-and-white and color images capture both the “new face of Angola” and the hope of the people to create a new identity.


Itep Test And Evaluation Of Humanitarian Demining Equipment, 2006, Franciska Borry Nov 2006

Itep Test And Evaluation Of Humanitarian Demining Equipment, 2006, Franciska Borry

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The ITEP Work Plan 2006 compiles all test and evaluation activities that will be carried out during 2006 by the ITEP member countries, either as single-country activities or as ITEP collaborative efforts. The following summary provides an update on collaborative test activities initiated during 2005 and continuing in 2006, including also some of the new test and evaluation efforts envisaged.


Minewolf Flail And Tiller Machines: Testing The Differences Between Two Demining Technologies, Heinz Rath, Dieter Schröder Nov 2006

Minewolf Flail And Tiller Machines: Testing The Differences Between Two Demining Technologies, Heinz Rath, Dieter Schröder

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

MineWolf is the first demining concept, manufactured in Germany by Arthur Willibald Maschinenbau GmbH (AHWI), that overcomes the limitations of flail and tiller machines by combining the advantages of both systems. Extensive tests with live anti-tank and fragmentation mines were carried out at the German Army proving ground to determine whether the MineWolf meets the operational requirements for humanitarian demining. The aim was to discover the effects of detonations on the operator, MineWolf, clearing tools and cabin, and to work out instructions for reparability.


News Briefs, News Brief Nov 2006

News Briefs, News Brief

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

News Briefs


Issue 10.2 Endnotes, Cisr Journal Nov 2006

Issue 10.2 Endnotes, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Issue 10.2 Endnotes


Lao Pdr, Country Profile Nov 2006

Lao Pdr, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

From 1964 to 1973, the Lao People's Democratic Republic became involved in the Second Indochina War (known as the Vietnam War in the West) between the United States and North Vietnam. For those nine years, Lao PDR was subjected to the heaviest bombing in world history. U.S. bombing records indicate that there were over 580,000 bombing missions carried out and over two million metric tons (2.2 million U.S. tons) of ordnance dropped on Lao PDR during the conflict.