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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Explosive Remnants Of War In North Africa, Ayman Sorour Nov 2006

Explosive Remnants Of War In North Africa, Ayman Sorour

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article looks at explosive remnants of war in North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia) from different perspectives, including the scope and history of the ERW, its impact and its relationship to security.


Israel, Country Profile Nov 2006

Israel, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Again at the heart of Mideast conflict, Israel has received international attention not just because of persistent landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination in the region, but also because of military operations in southern Lebanon. Recent attention has underscored the need to address the threat posed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war; perhaps one important way to address this would be the signing of international agreements prohibiting the use of indiscriminate weapons.


Explosive Remnants Of War And Their Consequences, Jonmahmad Rajabov Nov 2006

Explosive Remnants Of War And Their Consequences, Jonmahmad Rajabov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article examines the post-conflict situation of Tajikistan, which has not only anti-personnel mines but various kinds of explosive remnants of war. Recently Tajikistan signed Protocol V of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which includes a commitment to clear the nation’s ERW. The author highlights some of the different sources of ERW in Tajikistan as well as the progress being made by authorities to clear and destroy ERW.


Mine-Risk Education And The Amateur Scrap-Metal Hunter, Allan R. Vosburgh Nov 2006

Mine-Risk Education And The Amateur Scrap-Metal Hunter, Allan R. Vosburgh

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In many countries where landmines and unexploded ordnance threaten populations, people ignore warnings about these hazardous explosives to collect explosive remnants of war for the valuable scrap metal they contain. The author discusses a program proposed by the Golden West Humanitarian Foundation to manage this dangerous practice.


Afghanistan, Country Profile Nov 2006

Afghanistan, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Afghanistan's landmine contamination began with the Soviet occupation from 1979 to 1989. Pro-Soviet Afghan-government forces continued contributing to this landmine, unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war contamination during the next three years. Factional fighting from 1992 to 1995, resistance to the Taliban from 1996 to 2001 and the 2001 US-led invasion added to the problem. Not only does this contamination injure or kill more than 100 Afghans a month, it also impacts the reconstruction and development of the country into an economically and politically stable nation.


Vietnam, Country Profile Nov 2006

Vietnam, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Long after the Vietnam War's end, remnants of the conflict remain in playgrounds, schools, farms and roads. Over 30 years have passed, but abandoned ammunition and unexploded ordnance—known as explosive remnants of war—have taken the lives of thousands of civilians. Once a week, a person in central Vietnam is killed or injured by an encounter with UXO. Vietnam is one of the most ERW-contaminated countries in the world, with abandoned explosives such as old bombs, artillery shells, grenades and other munitions left over from past wars. The country has an estimated 350,000 to 800,000 tons (317,515 to 725,748 metric tons) …


Humanitarian Landmine Action In China And The Role Of The Ngo, Zhai Dequan Nov 2006

Humanitarian Landmine Action In China And The Role Of The Ngo, Zhai Dequan

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Though China is not a State Party to the Ottawa Convention, the country has long been involved in humanitarian efforts to alleviate the landmine problem. Nationally, China has launched mine clearance campaigns, and has become a State Party to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. Two organizations have also been established to alleviate the landmine problem. Internationally, China has sponsored several mine-clearance workshops, and has promoted international partnerships to work toward mine clearance.


Effects Of Landmines On Sri Lanka, K.T. Manjula Udayanga Hemapala Nov 2006

Effects Of Landmines On Sri Lanka, K.T. Manjula Udayanga Hemapala

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In Sri Lanka, statistics show people between the ages of 20 and 45 are the most likely to be injured by landmines. When they are disabled, they become a burden to the country’s economy, requiring assistance instead of contributing to the country’s growth. This article discusses how landmines affect Sri Lanka and the efforts being undertaken to lessen their impact.


The Aftermath Of War, Cisr Journal Nov 2006

The Aftermath Of War, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The recent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel resulted in many civilian victims and though the fighting has ended, the problems are nowhere near over for the civilians of Lebanon whose country is littered with cluster bomblets. This article explains the effects of the conflict on Lebanese civilians and describes how organizations are trying to eradicate the cluster-submunitions problem and provide aid to affected civilians.


Closing The Circle, Eddie Banks, Rob Shahmir Nov 2006

Closing The Circle, Eddie Banks, Rob Shahmir

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The authors present a critique of the International Mine Action Standards currently in use. After highlighting gaps in IMAS related to assessment and survey, an improved aspect of mine-action planning methodology is presented, which includes a prioritization component using a socioeconomic approach. The result is LIRA: landmine impact combined with a new measurement of risk assessment. This updated model can contribute to improved safety, quality and productivity of landmine action through more effective strategic planning tools.


The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 10.2 (2006), Cisr Journal Nov 2006

The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 10.2 (2006), Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Editorial | Feature: Quality Assurance for Mined and Survey Areas | Focus: ERW: A Dangerous Legacy | Profiles | Making it Personal | Notes from the Field | Book Reviews | Research and Development | News Briefs


Explosive Remnants Of War And The Reality Of Azerbaijan, Nazim Ismaylov, Emil M. Hasanov Nov 2006

Explosive Remnants Of War And The Reality Of Azerbaijan, Nazim Ismaylov, Emil M. Hasanov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article explains the danger of explosive remnants of war when located within communities and the precautions that need to be taken in order to get rid of this problem. It also describes how the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action is trying to address the problem of abandoned ammunition storage in one of the most highly contaminated areas among existing abandoned ammunition storages in the world.


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.


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.


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.


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.