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Study Of The Effects Of Aging On Landmines, Daniele Ressler

CISR Studies and Reports

Most of the mines that currently threaten populations were manufactured more than 50 years ago and many have been in the ground for 30 years or more. Despite the inevitable and obvious deterioration, there has been very little research into the effects of aging on landmines.

In 2008, James Madison University (JMU), the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR), and C King Associates Ltd (CKA) began a study designed to understand the aging process and the range of implications for the various components of mine action. The two-and-a-half year study was funded by grants from the US Department of …

South Sudan: The Role Of Bangladeshi Military Deminers, Md Tarek Abdullah

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article is an endeavor to give an overview of the mine and unexploded ordnance situation in South Sudan, highlighting the role of the Bangladesh Military Demining Platoon (formerly the Bangladesh Military Demining Company). Ultimately, their efforts served to clear 2,733,858 square meters (676 acres) in five of the country’s most affected areas.

Non-Technical Survey: A Model For Evidence-Based Assessment, Aron Larsson, Love Ekenberg, Asa Wessel, Håvard Bach

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In an ongoing effort to improve the Non-technical Survey, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining teamed with Stockholm University to create an enhanced version of the Cambodia Mine Action Centre’s Evidence Assessment Model. The aim of the project was to make the existing model more user-friendly and modify the current standards for assessment of mine-affected land. CMAC is testing a revised model to ensure that it meets the needs of their Non-technical Survey teams.

A Tribute To Dennis Barlow, John Noftsinger

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

When I first met Dennis Barlow in the Senate Armed Services Conference Room on Capitol Hill in February 1996, he was dressed in his U.S. Army uniform. He had been summoned from his Pentagon office by Virginia’s Senior Senator John Warner to meet with James Madison University’s then-President Dr. Ronald Carrier and me. We engaged him in conversation, explained our purpose for the meeting and explored several ideas.

Ottawa Survey Results, Nicole Neitzey

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In the last issue, The Journal ran an editorial by Dennis Barlow suggesting the Ottawa Convention should be amended to redefine the endstate required for clearance goals to be met. We then asked our readers to submit their opinion via a short online survey.

Building The Foundation For Sustainable Prosthetic And Orthotic Services In Cambodia, Michael Scott

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Cambodia Trust was formed in 1989 to meet the rehabilitative needs of Cambodia’s many landmine survivors. Five years after its inception, the Trust helped establish the Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, which has since provided invaluable services to Cambodia’s landmine survivors. This article explores the various ways rehabilitation services are being strengthened in Cambodia through this school and its partnership with other organizations.

The Cromac Qa/Qc System, Nikola Gambiroza

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In order to achieve efficiency in the established humanitarian demining quality-assurance/quality-control system, acceptable quality levels have been defined for mechanical ground processing using demining machines, manual-detection methods and/or a combination of the manual method and the use of mine-detection dogs.

Falkland-Malvinas Islands Update, Cory Kuklick

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina ceased in 1982, the Falkland-Malvinas Islands have remained riddled with landmines. Under its obligation to the Ottawa Convention, the U.K. is removing the landmines from this territory. Despite concerns about clearance there, a successful pilot program has been conducted.

Linking Mine Action And Economic Development, Charles Downs

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

There is often a separation between mine-action programs and economic development, which is unfortunate because mine action is an important part of economic progress. This article focuses on potential strategies for the integration of support to economic development into mine-action programs.

An Analysis Of Mre Provisions In Recent Ma-Related Conventions, Gustavo Laurie

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

A trend in the international community regarding explosive remnants of war and mine action is the incorporation of mine-risk education, highlighting the effectiveness of the process as a tool to avoid accidents. MRE as a concept is an appropriate course of action for mine-affected countries, and thus is included in the most influential provisions and conventions.

Two Strategies For Landmine Detection By Giant Pouched Rats, Alan Poling, Christophe Cox, Bart Weetjens, Negussie Beyene, Andrew Sully

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article compares the performance of Giant African Pouched Rats under two different management systems, both appropriate for mine-detection operational use. Employing International Mine Action Standards for accreditation, the researchers outline the process of conditioning and testing these mine-detection animals for field use.

Arwa: An Inspiring Story For Landmine Survivors, Mansour Al-Ezzi, Lauren Hill

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In 1999, Arwa Ali Saeed Wais was herding sheep in Al-Atabat village in the Morais district of Al-Dhale’e governorate, Yemen. As was the tradition in Arwa’s village, she spent much of her childhood caring for her family’s sheep in the nearby mountainous area instead of attending school. When she was 10 years old, she stepped on a landmine. Her right leg was immediately torn off, and her left leg was severely damaged. She was sent to Ibn Khaldon Hospital in Lahj governorate, where she underwent an above-the-knee bilateral amputation. After she was discharged from the hospital, she returned home to …

Signature Recognition: Reading The Signs Of Explosive Ordnance, Colin King

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Signature recognition can be a valuable tool for identifying types of ordnance emplaced, clearing ordnance and enhancing mine-risk education. Additionally, it aids medical professionals in determining the cause of injury and can identify illegal ordnance use. While signature recognition is already a major component of explosive-ordnance-disposal training, it can also provide substantial benefits for local communities affected by landmines.

The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 14.1 (2010), Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Focus: Asia and the Pacific | Feature: Military Role in Mine Action and EOD | Special Report: Novel Approaches to Landmine/ERW Remediation | Notes from the Field | Research and Development

Environmental Impact On The Functionality Of Landmines: Does Aging Matter?, Martin Jebens

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mines buried in Skallingen, Denmark, during World War II have since shown varying reactions to their environments in beach, dune and marsh areas. This article explains the results of several tests that may assist in the development of a more efficient, cost-effective demining plan in these areas. It also posits that a similar analysis of mines and soils in other old minefields could result in more flexibility with clearance, leading to greater efficiency.

The Saloglu Project, Perviz Gidayev

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

After the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Azerbaijan and the subsequent destruction of an Azeri ammunition warehouse, a large portion of the southern region was contaminated by unexploded ordnance. Following an incorrect initial estimate and the obstacle of lack of funds, the Saloglu Project, a partnership among NATO, its Maintenance and Supply Agency, and the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action, was undertaken to clear the UXO. There is still work to be done, but much has already been accomplished.

Mag's Questionnaire To Assess The Impact Of Clearance In Lao Pdr, Jo Durham, Xaya Xayavong, Boulphan Inthaxay

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In an effort to assess the impact of clearing unexploded ordnance, MAG (Mines Advisory Group) developed a questionnaire to analyze local perspectives on clearance operations and to ensure positive livelihood development.

Half Of Nepali Minefields Cleared, News Brief

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Nepal has successfully cleared half of the minefields laid during a decade-long internal conflict. Media reports credit the United Nations and local agencies for supporting national demining efforts, which began two years ago. Clearance and victim assistance were major components of the 2007 peace accord between the government of Nepal and the Unified Community Party of Nepal

Space Assets For Demining Assistance, Thomas Bouvet

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article discusses an innovative study the European Space Agency is funding to examine the feasibility of applying space assets to the field of mine action to improve the land-release process. It also announces the opportunity to get involved in implementing the study.

“We Love Life!”: A Novel Approach To Explosive Remnants Of War, Kamel Sa'adi

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In 2009 a team of nongovernmental organizations, academics and artists secured grant funding from the U.S. Department of State to use theater as a delivery method for mine-risk education. As a result, more than 7,000 Jordanian children have seen the highly successful stage play “We Love Life.”

Introducing Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment, Tim Lardner, Nick Bateman, Landon Shroder

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article describes the Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment and how it seeks to contextualize ERW-related risks at community, mine-action-operator, national-authority and donor levels in order to prioritize community aid so funds are used effectively and communities receive the assistance they need.

Future Developments Trends In Mechanical-Demining Technology, Heinz Rath, Dieter Schroder, Raymond Twiesselmann

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The authors argue that there is a need to turn toward cheaper and more effective mechanical demining. The future of demining technology is very important for countries with landmine-clearance needs.

Humanitarian Demining Requirements Workshop, Sean Burke

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The 2010 Humanitarian Demining Requirements Workshop will gather mine-action participants from governmental and nongovernmental agencies and various international organizations to share information and ideas pertaining to new technology development, and to discuss the latest results from global demining activities. Selected participants from approximately 12 countries will attend this year’s gathering 21–23 June 2010. Each demining organization is expected to share a presentation detailing its specific activities with the workshop participants.

Study Of The Effects Of Aging On Landmines, Cisr

Global CWD Repository

Most of the mines that currently threaten populations were manufactured more than 50 years ago and many have been in the ground for 30 years or more. Despite the inevitable and obvious deterioration, there has been very little research into the effects of aging on landmines. In 2008, James Madison University (JMU), the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR), and C King Associates Ltd (CKA) began a study designed to understand the aging process and the range of implications for the various components of mine action. The two-and-a-half year study was funded by grants from the US Department of …

Amending The Ottawa Convention: A Way Forward, Dennis Barlow

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

With clearance deadlines for States Parties to the Ottawa Convention approaching or having passed, and available humanitarian aid being spread among an exploding number of worthy activities, should mine-action programs be held to the stringent letter of the Convention? The author posits that, with a simple solution, States Parties can fulfill the spirit of the agreement while eliminating costly, time-consuming and inefficient clearance obligations.

Mine-Risk Education In Nepal, 2009, Purna Shova Chitraker

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Despite the signing of a 2006 peace agreement by the Nepalese government and the Maoists, Nepal’s mine clearance remains a work in progress due to the after-effects of its decade-long Maoist conflict and the emergence of small, armed groups. Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal (NCBL) is at the forefront of the country’s mine-risk-education efforts. This article examines NCBL’s MRE program objectives, expectations, methods and achievements, as well as the many challenges it faces.

Usafricom's Approach To International Stability, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The United States Africa Command, created in 2007, is responsible for military relations in 53 African countries. Having assumed responsibilities formerly housed in three other combatant commands, USAFRICOM is now tasked with a broad range of humanitarian, military and policy objectives on the continent, including conducting mine action and remediating the dangers posed by explosive remnants of war. This article explores the massive tasks facing USAFRICOM as it stands up, and the ways in which the command is already making a much-needed difference.

Itf’S Experience With Regional Cooperation, Luka Buhin

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

A key element to the success of the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance, particularly in Southeast Europe, has been its facilitation of a regional approach to mine action and subsequent contributions to regional structures and systems. Encouraging regional cooperation is an important confidence-building measure, not only in countries emerging from conflict but also in countries undergoing transition. A regional approach has become one of the guiding principles of ITF’s work.

Fria, The Kurdish Mine Action Magazine, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In 2007, the Fria Society for Mine Action Professionals published the inaugural issue of Fria, The Kurdish Mine Action Magazine. Founded in 2006, the FSMAP, a nongovernmental, nonprofit group based in Iraqi Kurdistan, began publishing the magazine out of a desire to improve training, education, and information-sharing among Kurdistan’s mine-action professionals. According to the magazine’s publisher and FSMAP Director, Jamal J. Hussein, the magazine “is the single mine-action magazine that publishes mine-action news and issues related to mine action in (the) Kurdish language in the region.” The magazine’s staff is comprised of a core group of FSMAP-affiliated mine-action professionals, including …

Ieds: A Major Threat For A Struggling Society, Pablo Esteban Parra Gallego

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The use of improvised explosive devices by guerrillas, drug cartels and paramilitary groups has threatened Colombian society for the past 30 years. This article examines the types of IEDs found in Colombia, and the extent and history of its IED problem. Also outlined are the Colombian government’s efforts to counter IEDs, and possible solutions to the challenges ahead, such as enhanced intelligence and community security.