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Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

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Data Analysis And Performance Evaluation Of Japanese Dual-Sensor Systems Tested In Croatia, Kazunori Takahashi, Mate Gaal, Dieter Gulle Nov 2009

Aid Effectiveness In Insecure Areas, Sharmala Naidoo Nov 2009

Unmas's Rapid-Response Exercise, Liban Holm, Cisr Journal Nov 2009

Unmas's Rapid-Response Exercise, Liban Holm, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In a post-conflict country littered with mines and explosive remnants of war, the capability to deploy highly qualified mine-action staff rapidly is key to saving lives. The United Nations Mine Action Service recently spearheaded a new 10-day emergency training program based on lessons learned from previous rapid-response efforts in Kosovo, Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This exercise emphasized the importance of interagency coordination and was designed to simulate a scenario in which these relationships would be called upon heavily in order to achieve success.

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Ieds And Their Impact On Mine Action, Adrian King Nov 2009

Ieds And Their Impact On Mine Action, Adrian King

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article addresses the increasingly prevalent threat of improvised explosive devices around the world. The author carefully defines this often unpredictable and unconventional “weapon of choice” and outlines the steps to eliminate the hazard it presents to global security. The article also discusses the role IEDs play within the scope of mine action, arguing their danger exceeds that of traditional mines and other unexploded ordnance.

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Blast Testing Of Visors Used For Humanitarian Demining, Charlene Fawcett Nov 2009

Blast Testing Of Visors Used For Humanitarian Demining, Charlene Fawcett

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article discusses experimental results from blast testing of Security Devices Ltd. polycarbonate visors used by humanitarian deminers. Visors used in the blast testing fell into one of three categories: new visors, manually scratched visors, and scratched and heat-gun-repaired visors. Results show that the visors in all three categories failed to meet the draft international standard for blast testing relevant at the time, that further research is required to establish pressure profiles for the standard charge size being tested, and that the proposed heat- treatment method does appear to degrade the blast resistance of the visor used in the test.

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Change Is The Only Constant, Zlatko Gegic Nov 2009

Change Is The Only Constant, Zlatko Gegic

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Because of the nature of mine-action organizations and programs, they are often placed in post-conflict areas where humanitarian work faces several obstacles. It is important to consider possible setbacks before embarking on demining in a post-conflict country.

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A Broader Canvas: Jordan’S Erw Training Course, Mohammad Briekat, Olaf Juergensen Nov 2009

A Broader Canvas: Jordan’S Erw Training Course, Mohammad Briekat, Olaf Juergensen

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Jordan is embracing the role of international humanitarian ambassador, particularly in the field of mine action. Jordan’s National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation has hosted several events for mine-affected countries and has recently completed its first explosive-remnants-of-war training course.The Kingdom of Jordan has a long record of participating in international humanitarian crisis-prevention and peacekeeping efforts. On a per-capita basis, Jordan is one of the largest contributors to U.N. peacekeeping missions—with an emphasis on providing field hospitals and support for mine action. Jordan regularly dispatches relief supplies and heavy equipment when natural disasters strike around the world.

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The Halo Trust, Cisr Journal Nov 2009

The Halo Trust, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The HALO Trust has actively been working to reduce existing landmines across the globe. Guy Willoughby, the founder of HALO, has focused on creating fast responses to landmine problems. With help from increased donations, HALO will be able to make more countries mine-impact free within the coming years using a variety of techniques.

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In Remembrance: Femisberto Novele, Cisr Journal Nov 2009

In Remembrance: Femisberto Novele, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Femisberto Novele, a member of Mine Action Centre in Cyprus, was killed by an anti-tank explosion on 28 October 2009. Novele, 48, was working in Yeri, only 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) southeast of Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. A native of Mozambique, Novele is the first death MACC has suffered during its five years of working on the island, although nine people, including civilians and deminers, were injured in 2008.

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The Rapid Response To Operation Cast Lead, Elena Rice Nov 2009

The Rapid Response To Operation Cast Lead, Elena Rice

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

When the United Nations Mine Action Service was asked to assess the need for a mine-action presence in the Gaza Strip following Operation Cast Lead, a 23-day conflict involving the Israeli Defence Forces and Palestinian militias in 2008, it was thrust into one of the world’s most complicated humanitarian operating environments. This article provides a background for the mine-action program in Gaza, summarizing the key challenges and lessons learned during the first four months of operations in this complex environment.

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Insight Into Gis Usage In Dangerous Area Survey, Penelope Caswell Nov 2009

Insight Into Gis Usage In Dangerous Area Survey, Penelope Caswell

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Western Sahara’s 16-year conflict with Morocco caused widespread contamination from landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Landmine Action is a U.K.-based nonprofit organization that has conducted survey, marking and clearance activities in Polisario-controlled areas of Western Sahara since 2006. Its main goals are to make these areas safer for the people of Western Sahara, to reduce risks and land denial caused by contamination, and to successfully carry out humanitarian demining.

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Masg Update, Cisr Journal Nov 2009

Masg Update, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The following article highlights the recent activities of the Mine Action Support Group, including updates on the United Nations Mine Action Service, the United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF. It is excerpted from the United Nations’ newsletter covering the period from March to May 2009.

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Sri Lanka: Mine Action In A Deteriorating Environment, Chris Rush Nov 2009

Sri Lanka: Mine Action In A Deteriorating Environment, Chris Rush

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

A major mine-action program has been underway in Sri Lanka since 2002, when a cease-fire agreement between the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam was signed. However, after a seemingly inexorable escalation in violence between the LTTE and the government forces, open warfare resumed, and in May 2009, the government announced that it had achieved military victory over the LTTE. This article traces the various ways that the increase in conflict affected mine-action activities in Sri Lanka.

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Endnotes Issue 13.2, Cisr Journal Aug 2009

Endnotes Issue 13.2, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Endnotes Issue 13.2

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Gender And Land Release: The Responsibility Of The Mine-Action Community, Marie Nilsson, Virginie Rozes, Juliane Garcia Aug 2009

Gender And Land Release: The Responsibility Of The Mine-Action Community, Marie Nilsson, Virginie Rozes, Juliane Garcia

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In many countries, men are considered the sole landowners, leaving women with few property rights. Yet women are disproportionately affected when men are killed or injured by landmines, as they can be left with few resources after such tragedies.

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Survey And Land Release: Lessons From Recent Country Experience, Charles Downs Aug 2009

Survey And Land Release: Lessons From Recent Country Experience, Charles Downs

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Suspected Hazardous Areas bring fear to local communities and hinder socioeconomic development, but in most cases the majority of the land contains no mines at all. Survey for land release may put an end to this fear, and it allows for an accelerated solution to the landmine problem.

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The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 13.2 (2009), Cisr Journal Aug 2009

The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 13.2 (2009), Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Annual Issue: Land Cancellation and Release

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Reflections From The Field: Lao Pdr, Surveys And Land Release, Stephen Pritchard Aug 2009

Reflections From The Field: Lao Pdr, Surveys And Land Release, Stephen Pritchard

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

With an example and a discussion of Norwegian People’s Aid’s work with UXO Lao in Lao PDR, the author explains how choosing the right tasks and performing the tasks correctly can allow land to be released safely and confidently.

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Land Cancellation And Release, Parvis Mavlonkulov Aug 2009

Land Cancellation And Release, Parvis Mavlonkulov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Initial surveying and resurveying of areas contaminated with mines are imperative processes in the Land Cancellation and Release process in Tajikistan, where estimates indicate thousands of acres of Suspected Hazardous Areas. It is necessary to re-survey contaminated areas to ensure accurate results. Even with limited funds, the Tajikistan Mine Action Centre has made great efforts to release the land and promote mine-risk education, victim assistance, and capacity building.

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Clearing Areas Right; Clearing The Right Areas, Håvard Bach Aug 2009

Clearing Areas Right; Clearing The Right Areas, Håvard Bach

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Although land release is a widely used term, its definition is not universally understood. There are various approaches to mine clearance with different survey steps taken before conditions of safe land release are met, and some techniques are more efficient than others. This article examines ways of improving land-release methodology to more effectively define and ultimately resolve the landmine problem.

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Is It Time For New Terminology In Land Release And Technical Survey?, Robert Keeley Aug 2009

Is It Time For New Terminology In Land Release And Technical Survey?, Robert Keeley

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Overlapping terminology has contributed to confusion in the demining process and stunted the development of Technical Survey as a potentially effective concept. This article points out places where ambiguity exists and suggests ways that the terminology can be clarified.

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A Conversation About Land Cancellation And Release With H. Murphey “Murf” Mccloy, John Stevens Aug 2009

A Conversation About Land Cancellation And Release With H. Murphey “Murf” Mccloy, John Stevens

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Land Cancellation and Release in mine action is looked at by many experts as the next logical step to the safe and time-effective return of mined areas. This interview examines the benefits of the land-release method and addresses its criticisms.

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Land-Release Policies And Human-Security Complexities, Kjell Bjork Aug 2009

Land-Release Policies And Human-Security Complexities, Kjell Bjork

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article reviews the need for transparency and community participation in the land-release process. Participation is a fundamental part of post-war reconstruction, and the author argues that combining reconstruction with transparent participation will contribute to the quality, accountability and national ownership of the land-release process.

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Could Local Agricultural Machines Make A Country ‘Impact Free’ By 2010?, Emanuela Cepolina, Matteo Zoppi Aug 2009

Could Local Agricultural Machines Make A Country ‘Impact Free’ By 2010?, Emanuela Cepolina, Matteo Zoppi

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Many countries affected by landmines are also facing food crises, underscoring the necessity of cost-effective mine removal. Converting agricultural machines already available in many mine-affected countries for use on mine-action projects saves not only time but also money by speeding up the removal process and turning the land back into an agricultural resource.

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Making Land Release In Mozambique Operational, Antonio Belchior, Charles Downs Aug 2009

Making Land Release In Mozambique Operational, Antonio Belchior, Charles Downs

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mozambique’s national program for land release has cleared many Suspected Hazardous Areas in the past eight years, but the Instituto Nacional de Desminagem (National Demining Institute) aims to make the program even more effective. In March 2009, IND collaborated with the Survey Action Center to host a workshop at which land release terminology and concepts were discussed, hoping that improved survey methodologies would lead to a more efficient land-release process. The workshop resulted in the creation of national land-release draft elements and criteria that will help to develop practical land-release standards in the near future.

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Nicaragua, Country Profile Jul 2009

Nicaragua, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Nicaragua is located in Central America, midway between Mexico and Colombia, bordered by Honduras to the north, Costa Rica to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. It was granted independence from Spain in 1821 and ultimately became an independent republic seven years later. In 1979, a civil war broke out that lasted 11 years, littering the country with landmines and unexploded ordnance that remain to this day. When Hurricane Mitch struck Nicaragua in October 1998, it exacerbated the landmine problem by moving remnants from the internal conflict, making clearance extremely challenging. …

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Ecuador, Country Profile Jul 2009

Ecuador, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

At the Ninth Meeting of States Parties in November 2008, Ecuador was one of 15 countries to request an extension on the Ottawa Convention deadline for completing landmine clearance. These 15 States Parties were the first group to do so since the adoption of the Convention in 1997. Delegates agreed unanimously to grant Ecuador’s request, extending the original 2009 deadline a full eight years to 1 September 2017. In its request, Ecuador reported fulfilling its Article 52 obligations in 53 of 128 suspect areas—totaling 118,707 square meters (29 acres) of cleared area. Approximately 498,633 square meters (123 acres) in the …

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Masg Update, Cisr Journal Jul 2009

Masg Update, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The following article highlights the recent activities of the Mine Action Support Group, including updates on the United Nations Mine Action Service, the United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF. It is excerpted from the United Nations' newsletter covering the period from November 2008–February 2009.

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Predicting Soil Influence On The Performance Of Metal Detectors: Magnetic Properties Of Tropical Soils, Jan Igel, Holger Preetz, Sven Altfelder Jul 2009

Predicting Soil Influence On The Performance Of Metal Detectors: Magnetic Properties Of Tropical Soils, Jan Igel, Holger Preetz, Sven Altfelder

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mine detection and clearance are costly and time-consuming procedures necessary to benefit the communities these weapons affect. A complication surrounding mine detection is the influence of the soil on landmine detection, but little research has been done on the subject. This article discusses how soil can affect mine detectors and research plans to improve mine-detection efficiency.

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Sustainability In World Education’S Uxo Education And Awareness Program In Lao Pdr, Barbara Lewis, Sarah Bruinooge Jul 2009

Sustainability In World Education’S Uxo Education And Awareness Program In Lao Pdr, Barbara Lewis, Sarah Bruinooge

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

World Education’s work in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, one of the most heavily bombed countries in the world, offers an example of effective implementation of unexploded-ordnance-risk awareness at all levels. This article explores World Education’s work with the government of Lao PDR in achieving higher levels of UXO-risk awareness.

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