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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Missed Opportunities: The Need For Landmine Survivor Rehabilitation In Rural Areas, Stephen Meyers
Missed Opportunities: The Need For Landmine Survivor Rehabilitation In Rural Areas, Stephen Meyers
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Persons with disabilities in developing countries are "regarded by their own communities as the most disadvantaged," yet poverty alleviation and international aid programs have consistently failed to prioritize their rehabilitation and integration into society. Within the scope of mine action (landmine removal, victim assistance and mine risk education), landmine survivor assistance receives only five percent of all humanitarian mine action funding. Persons with disabilities, whether their disabilities were caused by war, agricultural or industrial accidents, diabetes, infection or other causes, are often ignored.
Landmine And Uxo Safety: The “Duty Of Care”, Sebastian Kasack
Landmine And Uxo Safety: The “Duty Of Care”, Sebastian Kasack
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
A long wheelbase Landcruiser can seat 13 people: five in the front and eight in the rear. Usually those sitting in the rear cannot use seat belts because there are none, and those in front often choose not to wear them. Besides, at the end of the world, as the Portuguese called the southeastern corner of Angola, it is very unlikely you will meet another car anyway, so why wear seat belts?
Guatemala, Country Profile
Guatemala, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Tucked among Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras, Guatemala is a country full of history. Farming and fishing villages date back to as early as 2000 B.C. and represent the beginning of the Mayan culture that dominated the area for centuries. In 1583, Pedro de Alvarado, sent by the king of Spain, conquered the lands of the remaining Mayans and took possession of the land. The year 1821 brought independence from Spanish rule but not an improvement in the lives of the Mayans. Various leaders and governments took power, and in the 1950s, Colonel Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán carried on the liberal …
Comprehensive Action Against Landmines In Ecuador, Guillermo Leal
Comprehensive Action Against Landmines In Ecuador, Guillermo Leal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
During the conflict of 1995 between Ecuador and Peru, a number of minefields were sown along the disputed border area. Although statistics concerning the problem have been difficult to obtain, anti-personnel mines represent a serious threat to the local populations. Many inhabitants have been forced to alter their traditional agricultural lifestyles as well as other daily activities such as cattle ranching, hunting and fishing.
The Process Of Demining And Destroying Uxo In Guatemala, Guillermo Pacheco
The Process Of Demining And Destroying Uxo In Guatemala, Guillermo Pacheco
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The process of demining and destroying UXO in Guatemala is characterized by a collaborative effort between civilians and military personnel. This process is conducted in a diplomatic manner between the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG) and the National Army, the parties of the 36-year internal armed conflict, which concluded in 1996. Likewise, the demining and UXO destruction operations that Guatemala executes reflect the characteristics that were prevalent during the armed conflict, including the rare use of anti-personnel mines and UXO proliferation.
Engaging Non-State Actors In The Fight Against Landmines: A Key To Negotiating Peace In Colombia, Elisabeth Reusse-Decrey
Engaging Non-State Actors In The Fight Against Landmines: A Key To Negotiating Peace In Colombia, Elisabeth Reusse-Decrey
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Today, one of the populations in the world that suffers the most from landmine use by armed non-state actors (NSAs) is the population of Colombia. Since 2003, Geneva Call, a humanitarian, independent and neutral international organisation dedicated to engaging NSAs in a total ban against anti-personnel landmines, has established a line of communication with Colombian armed groups. With the support of the national government and the collaboration of the Colombian Campaign Against Landmines—a partner organisation—representatives of Geneva Call have met with members of the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Colombia, other local and indigenous organisations, as well as members …
El Salvador, Country Profile
El Salvador, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Although El Salvador gained its independence from Spain in 1838, oppressive regimes controlled the nation from that time through the 20th century. In the late 1970s, leftist groups, most notably the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), violently lashed against the ruling government. Fraudulent elections dashed the prospects of a full democracy, and by 1980, the country became mired in a full-scale civil war. El Salvador became the focus of special international attention during this period due to the FMLN's surprising success, which the government was able to suppress. In 1992, after 12 years of fighting, the United Nations was …
Peru, Country Profile
Peru, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Peru is located at the center of the Andean states, bordered by Colombia and Ecuador in the north, Brazil and Bolivia in the east, and Chile in the south. The people of Peru declared their independence from Spain in 1821. Revolutionary fighting continued, however, until 1824, when all remaining Spanish forces in Peru were defeated. Peru's primary landmine problems are a result of guerilla military activity in the 1980s that afflicted its internal regions, particularly near electrical towers and power-generation stations that were mined for protection against guerilla sabotage. Border conflicts with Ecuador in the north during the mid-1990s also …
Fusing Aerial Multispectral Imagery And High-Resolution Photography, Milan Bajic
Fusing Aerial Multispectral Imagery And High-Resolution Photography, Milan Bajic
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Aerial remote sensing is useful for spotting indicators in the survey of mine-suspected areas and minefields. Because the detection of landmines in the soil and under the vegetation cover is not yet practical, the minefield indicators and their electromagnetic signatures provide means for detection of the mine-suspected areas and minefields. The minefield indicators can be natural (e.g., vegetation cover) over a large spatial extent, or else artificial or man-made (e.g., trenches, bunkers, demolished objects) over a small spatial extent. The dimensions of artificial minefield indicators require use of multi-spectral sensors and aerial images with spatial resolution below one meter. Due …
U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research And Development Program Provides "Reach-In" Technology, Chris Wanner
U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research And Development Program Provides "Reach-In" Technology, Chris Wanner
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
When mine clearance operations closed down on June 12, 2004, for the last time in Honduras, U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) prototype equipment on trial was there to help complete the work started nearly one decade ago. Progress in reaching this milestone had stalled in 2002. Lack of a solution to a troublesome combination of environmental and threat factors remained beyond the capability of normal clearance procedures at one of the last remaining mine-suspected areas left in Honduras. Conventional clearance methods had revealed evidence of a mixture of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines buried under a meter …
Beyond Mine Removal, Juan Carlos Ruan
Beyond Mine Removal, Juan Carlos Ruan
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
For over a decade, the Organization of American States (OAS) has been coordinating landmine removal operations throughout the Americas. The program has been the responsibility of the Mine Action Program of the Unit for the Promotion of Democracy of the OAS, which provides overall coordination and management. The OAS has been successful with the technical assistance of the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB), the hard work of the national armies and the generosity of international donors. While the national armies of mine-affected countries carry out the actual demining in the field, the IADB provides a team of international supervisors and military …
Colombia: Mine Action And Armed Conflict, Eric Filippino
Colombia: Mine Action And Armed Conflict, Eric Filippino
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Colombia is still in the throes of armed conflict and organised violence that has been ongoing during the past 40 years. Parties to the conflict include the government and armed forces of Colombia as well as numerous guerrilla groups. The two largest of these are the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which first appeared in 1964, and the National Liberation Army (NLA or ELN). In addition, numerous paramilitary groups operating throughout the country receive tacit support from certain Colombian army units.1 There continues to be disputed control over vast swathes of Colombian territory.
From Desperation To Self-Confidence: An Interview With Landmine Survivor Mr. Francisco Peralta, Juan Carlos Ruan
From Desperation To Self-Confidence: An Interview With Landmine Survivor Mr. Francisco Peralta, Juan Carlos Ruan
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Mr. Francisco Peralta is a Nicaraguan landmine survivor from Ocotal, Department of Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, who, as with many landmine victims, lost much more than his limbs to this weapon. Mr. Peralta lost his livelihood, his ability to support his family, his self-confidence, and his overall happiness. Through his integration into the Organization of American States’ (OAS’s) rehabilitation program, however, his life has changed 100 percent. Today he stands as a testament to the success of the OAS program and the need for this type of program to assist landmine survivors and help them literally and figuratively get back on …
Community-Based Rehabilitation Program Design And Implementation In Central America, Michael Lundquist
Community-Based Rehabilitation Program Design And Implementation In Central America, Michael Lundquist
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Since 1997, the Polus Center for Social & Economic Development, Inc., has been supporting orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) services in Central America. In 1999, Polus expanded its effort and, in collaboration with local citizens of Leon, Nicaragua, opened Walking Unidos, an outreach O&P workshop. Since the success of Walking Unidos, the Polus Center has helped develop two other O&P programs: Vida Nueva in Choluteca, Honduras, and the other in Managua, Nicaragua, a venture made possible with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In addition, the Polus Center developed several other disability-related programs, including the Disability …
The Landmine Victim Assistance Component Implemented By The Oas In Nicaragua, Carlos Orozco
The Landmine Victim Assistance Component Implemented By The Oas In Nicaragua, Carlos Orozco
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In 1990, Nicaragua registered approximately 135,000 mines buried within its national territory and another 133,435 mines in military stockpiles as a result of the internal conflict witnessed in Nicaragua during the 1980s. Although I will not touch on the details related to the operations, it is important to note that Nicaragua is the most heavily mined country in Central America and on the whole continent. As of June 2004, approximately 27,400 anti-personnel mines remain buried within Nicaraguan territory.
An Interview With Mine Awareness Expert Mr. Porfirio Gomez, Juan Carlos Ruan
An Interview With Mine Awareness Expert Mr. Porfirio Gomez, Juan Carlos Ruan
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
One of the key components of the Mine Action Program of the Organization of American States (OAS) is mine risk education (MRE). It is the belief of the program that the most important measure one can take to ensure that affected communities practice safe behavior is to educate them on the risks associated with landmines and UXO. The objective of this component is to not solely attain the reduction of the risk of injury or death by promoting safe behavior, but also provide solutions to high-risk behavior that is observed in some affected communities. This is done through a number …
Dear Mr. President...: Landmines All Over The World Are Tearing Lives Apart, Saiann Films
Dear Mr. President...: Landmines All Over The World Are Tearing Lives Apart, Saiann Films
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
"The mine is a stealthy killer. Long after conflict is ended, its innocent victims die or are wounded singly, in countries of which we hear little. Their lonely fate is never reported."
-Diana, Princess of Wales, 1997
Public-Private Partnerships Paving The Way For Success In Sri Lanka, Margaret S. Busé
Public-Private Partnerships Paving The Way For Success In Sri Lanka, Margaret S. Busé
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
"Most young people, including those in their 20s in Sri Lanka, have never seen a day without war because of the fighting that has lasted for the past two decades in Sri Lanka. For them to see new construction underway, schools reopening, and for locals to be able to move out of refugee camps back onto their land—these all come as welcome sights."-Mary Eisenhower, President, People to People International
Operation Emirates Solidarity: An International Model And Mine Clearance Success Story, Chris Clark
Operation Emirates Solidarity: An International Model And Mine Clearance Success Story, Chris Clark
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Landmines and unexploded munitions remaining from the 22-year Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, as well as previous periods of conflict in the area, severely hindered the much-needed restoration of peace and security in the area. Reconstruction, socio-economic development and general community life were severely affected by the massive landmine contamination left following the Israeli withdrawal in 2000.
Red Rocks And Green Grapes, Jed Harris
Red Rocks And Green Grapes, Jed Harris
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
As I stopped along the roadside north of Kabul, three young boys emerged from an overgrown vineyard and proudly offered me a handful of fresh grapes. Soon more children emerged. The sight brought back childhood memories of summer days spent roaming through the vast vineyards that joined our ranch in California. However, my smile quickly vanished with alarm. The unmistakable signs of a minefield, rocks painted red, surrounded the field from where these children surfaced. Why would they trespass through the jeopardy of a minefield I wondered? The oldest boy quickly responded, ma goashna, "we are hungry." The basic …
Turkey Moves Forward To Demine Upper Mesopotamia, Ali Koknar
Turkey Moves Forward To Demine Upper Mesopotamia, Ali Koknar
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Turkish-Syrian border was first drawn in 1921, altered in 1938, and finally demarcated once again in 1956. Between 1991 and 1993, portions of the border were further demarcated, bringing the border deeper into Turkish territory. Most of the land in near the Turkish-Syrian border falls under the legal category of "Forbidden Military Zone in the First and Second Degrees" (i.e., public land administered by the Turkish military). Some of it is formerly privately-owned farmland nationalized during the 1956 demarcation.
The National Demining Office In Lebanon, 1998–2004, George Massaad, Salim Raad, Kassem Jammoul, Chip Bowness
The National Demining Office In Lebanon, 1998–2004, George Massaad, Salim Raad, Kassem Jammoul, Chip Bowness
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Mine action in Lebanon only became highlighted internationally since the withdrawal of Israeli forces in May 2000. Wars and occupation during the past 25 years have left hundreds of thousands of mines and UXO scattered throughout Lebanon, including cluster munitions. The draft national Landmine Impact Survey (LIS) indicates that as of September 2003, more than 30 percent of the national population of 3.7 million is affected, and estimates that 1.4 percent of the landmass or about 137 million square metres remains potentially contaminated by mines and/or UXO. This is a significant detriment to socio-economic development.
Mine Risk Education In Kawthoolei Liberated Area: An Experiment In Creating A Program Of Mre In A Non-State-Controlled Area Of Burma, Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan
Mine Risk Education In Kawthoolei Liberated Area: An Experiment In Creating A Program Of Mre In A Non-State-Controlled Area Of Burma, Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Engaging a non-state armed group in any aspect of mine action is based on the same concerns of humanitarian action that are the basis of engaging any state authority, but more time may be needed to educate non-state groups in humanitarian norms to which they are unable to accede, and by which they may not feel bound. Most non-state actors (NSAs) will engage in armed conflict. If the conflict is over, they have either dissolved or become a part of the official governing structure. If they are mine users, mine action will be similar to that undertaken in states that …
Non-State Actors In Nepal, Cisr Jmu
Non-State Actors In Nepal, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Since the end of the monarchy in 1951, Nepal has faced governmental problems. A multi-party democracy was established in 1990, but since then Nepal has had 14 governments. A Maoist insurgency began in 1996 and has claimed thousands of civilian, government and rebel lives. In 2001, nine members of the royal family were killed in a shooting spree by Prince Diprendra, son of the late King Birendra, who then turned the gun on himself. The Maoist insurgency has tried to fill the void left by the monarchy and an ongoing struggle ties together the government and rebel groups, also known …
Non-State Actors In Sri Lanka, Cisr Jmu
Non-State Actors In Sri Lanka, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
What happens when an irresistible force hits an immovable object? Something gives. Or does it? In the war-torn country of Sri Lanka, there remains a constant clash between the country's government and non-state actor (NSA) groups that terrorize the region and its people. The chief NSA that opposes the government is the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), an insurgency group whose goal is to form an independent state for the 3.2 million Tamil people that make up the minority ethnic community.
Nsas In Africa: The Call To Action, Cisr Jmu
Nsas In Africa: The Call To Action, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) cites Africa as the continent with the largest number of conflicts. In such countries as the Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Zimbabwe and Angola, the 2003 Landmine Monitor reports widespread landmine use by non-state actors (NSAs), each seeking a myriad of political aims from recognition by the international community to government overthrow to political agitation through terrorism. The majority of NSAs involved in conflicts with internationally recognized governments on the African continent have rarely disclosed their political agendas nor have they outlined how their political agendas differ from those of the …
Argentina, Country Profile
Argentina, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
After gaining independence from Spain in 1816, Argentineans battled amongst themselves in political conflicts between conservatives and liberals. Naturally, due to the intensity of a structured environment aggravated by war, conflicts also arose as the military society merged with the civilians. These opposing entities battled through a long period of authoritarian rule that later ended in a military junta, which usurped the Peronists' authority in 1976. Democracy was not implemented as a governing standard until 1983.
Non-State Actors In The Philippines, Cisr Jmu
Non-State Actors In The Philippines, Cisr Jmu
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
On December 3, 1997, the Philippines signed the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention to end mine use in the country. However, implementation of this act did not come soon enough to prevent the loss of innocent lives from terrorist attacks that began in the early 1990s and continue through today. In the Philippines, several main rebel groups terrorize the countryside, creating havoc in order to further their own interests. They are non-state actors (NSAs), rebel groups who fight for certain beliefs. Geneva Call defines a NSA as "any armed actor operating outside state control that uses force to achieve it political/quasi-political …
Chile, Country Profile
Chile, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In 1973, Chile's Marxist government was overthrown by a dictatorial military regime led by Augusto Pinochet. With the goal of exterminating Marxism, Pinochet suspended parliament, banned political activity, limited civil liberties and boosted efforts to guard Chilean borders. Between 1973 and 1983, in an attempt to protect the country from its neighbors, Pinochet's government littered the Chilean borders of Bolivia, Peru and Argentina with 293 minefields containing one million mines. In 1990, Pinochet stepped down and a presidential parliamentary democracy was restored with the election of Patricio Aylwin.
Colombia, Country Profile
Colombia, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Referred to as La Violencia, political unrest in Colombia's countryside lasted from 1948 until 1962. Efforts to overthrow the Colombian government escalated again in the 1990s with a rebel uprising. To forward their advances, four different guerilla groups used landmines, staged coups and attempted political assassinations. Guerilla attacks led mostly by the Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC), National Liberation Army (ELN) and United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), combined with drug cultivation, social inequities and widespread violence, contributed to Colombia's 40-year political crisis. Upon his election in 2002, President Alvaro Uribe promised to begin taking action to end the …