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Full-Text Articles in Emergency and Disaster Management

Minefield As A School Ground: The Tzur Baher Minefield Clearance Project, Bentzi Telefus Aug 2006

Minefield As A School Ground: The Tzur Baher Minefield Clearance Project, Bentzi Telefus

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

With so many factors limiting the education process in the Middle East, it is hard to believe that one more could be imposed upon the people of Tzur Baher, a village in Jerusalem. However, the presence of a minefield in their village severely hindered progress in the building of a school. Maavarim Civil Engineering Ltd. was brought in to begin work. The planned site for the school is now mine free, and construction is scheduled to start in the near future.


Armed Non-State Actors: The Main Users Of The “Poor Man’S Weapon”, Anki Sjöberg Aug 2006

Armed Non-State Actors: The Main Users Of The “Poor Man’S Weapon”, Anki Sjöberg

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This report, which builds on the 2004 Geneva Call initial analysis, provides a comprehensive mapping of the use, acquisition, production, transfer and stockpiling of landmines by armed non-state actors through a presentation of individual group profiles and a global analysis. The report records global occurrences of antipersonnel and anti-vehicle mine planting by NSAs during 2003–2005, whether activated by victims, vehicles or at a distance using command detonation.


Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield Aug 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 like the Ottawa Convention and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.


Systematic Test & Evaluation Of Metal Detectors: Interim Report Field Trials Mozambique, Dieter Guelle, Adam Lewis Aug 2006

Systematic Test & Evaluation Of Metal Detectors: Interim Report Field Trials Mozambique, Dieter Guelle, Adam Lewis

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission published at the end of 2005 another interim report for the STEMD project. This article gives background on the project and report and some results and recommendations of the trial. The authors hope this article will pique interest in the full report.


Egypt, Country Profile Aug 2006

Egypt, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Egypt is one of the most heavily mined nations in the world, with estimates ranging from 16.7 to 22 million landmines/pieces of unexploded ordnance, or an estimated one-tenth of the world’s 200 million landmines. Seventeen million landmines and pieces of UXO are estimated to be located in the Western Desert, a result of intense fighting during World War II between Allied and Axis forces at the El- Alamein perimeter. Approximately five million additional landmines were spread across the Sinai Peninsula and Red Sea coasts, largely from the Arabian-Israeli conflicts of 1956, 1957 and 1973. The Egyptian military estimates 19.7 million …


Survivor Assistance Through Technology Transfer In Tanzania, Mary Stanton, Kim D. Reisinger Aug 2006

Survivor Assistance Through Technology Transfer In Tanzania, Mary Stanton, Kim D. Reisinger

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article describes how cutting-edge technology is being developed and disseminated in landmine-affected countries. Focusing particularly on the Tanzania Training Center for Orthopedic Technologists, the authors examine how a process of appropriate, resource-effective casting is being advanced and then shared through training workshops. Improved technology and its successful transfer are vital to better assisting landmine survivors, a goal the Center for International Rehabilitation is working to achieve.


Angola, Country Profile Aug 2006

Angola, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.


Chad, Country Profile Aug 2006

Chad, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The mine and unexploded ordnance contamination in Chad is a result of decades of internal conflict, the 1973 Libyan invasion and intensive mining during Libya’s occupation of the Aouzou Strip in the north from 1984 to 1987. Most of the known mined areas are in the Borkou- Ennedi-Tibesti region in the north and the Biltine and Quaddai regions in the east. Areas such as the Wadi Doum Military Base are also contaminated with abandoned missiles, munitions and other explosive remnants of war.


Center For International Rehabilitation, Qadeem K. Tariq Aug 2006

Center For International Rehabilitation, Qadeem K. Tariq

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

On 7 March 2006, the Government of National Unity in Sudan with assistance from the United Nations Development Programme–Sudan officially launched the country’s National Mine Action Authority at Friendship Hall, in Khartoum, Sudan. The new NMAA gathers the other mine-action entities in the country under its umbrella and represents Sudan’s commitment to confronting and eventually eliminating its landmine and explosive remnants of war problem.


Understanding The Ottawa Convention’S Obligations To Landmine Victims, Kerry Brinkert Aug 2006

Understanding The Ottawa Convention’S Obligations To Landmine Victims, Kerry Brinkert

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Ottawa Convention is unique for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that the Convention has linked obligations concerning the use of a weapon with a requirement that Convention signatories assist a victim wounded by that weapon. When the Convention was adopted in September 1997, this aspect, while lauded by diplomats and activists, was certain to be a challenge to implement. The real work began once the Convention entered into force and states had to act on this responsibility. This article discusses in particular the Convention’s victim assistance obligations.


A Rose By Any Other Name: The Interrelationship Of Landmines And Other Explosive Remnants Of War, Richmond H. Dugger Iii Aug 2006

A Rose By Any Other Name: The Interrelationship Of Landmines And Other Explosive Remnants Of War, Richmond H. Dugger Iii

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The author explores the vast diversification in landmine etymology, condemning efforts that sought to provide more information but only complicated an already difficult process. Dugger continues with a historical perspective on the progression of language and processes used to address problems posed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war.


An Alternative Perspective On Landmines And Vulnerable Populations, Shelby Weitzel Aug 2006

An Alternative Perspective On Landmines And Vulnerable Populations, Shelby Weitzel

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

By offering a different view on the International Campaign to Ban Landmines’ dominant message concerning mine action, this article presents an argument for possible alternatives. The author brings up such points as a lack of discussion and an acceptance of facts without proper checking of research. In addition, suggestions of constructive use of landmines in the defense of vulnerable populations are made to refute the idea of a necessary worldwide ban.


No Wizards, Just Patient Teachers, Bart Weetjens, Jina Kim Aug 2006

No Wizards, Just Patient Teachers, Bart Weetjens, Jina Kim

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

APOPO is a Belgian-African nongovernmental organization that trains rats to be at new mine-detection tool. The authors describe the basic idea behind this unique concept.


Ethiopia, Country Profile Aug 2006

Ethiopia, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Ethiopia’s 70-year history of internal and international armed conflict, from the Italian invasion of 1935 to the Ethiopian- Eritrean War (1998–2000), has contributed to significant landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination. Ethiopia is one of the world’s 10 most heavily mined countries, with the government estimating it will take decades to clear. The most extensive contamination is in the Tigray, Afar and Somali regions. It is estimated that during the recent Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict, Ethiopian forces laid 150,000–200,000 landmines and Eritrea laid 240,000 mines over the disputed border areas.


Zimbabwe, Country Profile Aug 2006

Zimbabwe, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

During the War of Liberation between 1976 and 1979, the Rhodesian Army laid minefields along the northern and eastern borders of Zimbabwe (formerly known as Rhodesia). The Rhodesian Army handed over minefield records to the Zimbabwe National Army in 1980. The minefields were emplaced in standard patterns and were marked and posted with danger/warning signs, but many of these signs have been stolen, destroyed or removed over time. It was initially estimated that 2.5 million anti-personnel mines were emplaced in Zimbabwe and the remaining minefields stretch 218 miles. Zimbabwe signed the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention on Dec. 3, 1997, and …


Tied Campaigns: Cluster Munitions, Explosive Remnants Of War And Anti-Personnel Landmines, Robin Collins Aug 2006

Tied Campaigns: Cluster Munitions, Explosive Remnants Of War And Anti-Personnel Landmines, Robin Collins

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The cluster munitions campaign, following the precedent of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, is beginning to make an impact on state views of banning or restricting cluster munitions. This article examines the history behind the fight to ban or restrict cluster munitions and its ties to the ICBL. The author also discusses the most recent developments in the process to ban or restrict cluster bombs.


Mines And Erw, Bob Kudyba Aug 2006

Mines And Erw, Bob Kudyba

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Due to the history and nature of conflicts in the Ethiopia/Eritrea area, cleanup presents specific considerations and hazards. The lessons learned by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea Mine Action Coordination Centre in mine/explosive remnants of war cleanup are presented, as well as recommendations on clearance operations for situations with mixed mine/ ERW like that in Ethiopia and Eritrea.


A Primer On Explosive Remnants Of War, Daniele Ressler Aug 2006

A Primer On Explosive Remnants Of War, Daniele Ressler

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This primer reviews the legal and functional understandings regarding explosive remnants of war, particularly after the adoption of Protocol V in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. It examines the tensions between the legal definition of ERW and the reality on the ground, and recommends clarifying the terms that bind post-conflict clearance efforts to ensure the greatest effectiveness of those campaigns


Medical Challenges In Sudan, Adam Kushner Aug 2006

Medical Challenges In Sudan, Adam Kushner

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Working with Médecins du Monde, Dr. Kushner spent 12 weeks with a mission in Malakal, Sudan. This article, written as a journal, is his account of the first six weeks. Through his work, Dr. Kushner has helped many and witnessed the impressive ability of doctors in Malakal to work in stressful and sub-par conditions. He also came face to face with the cholera crisis and worked to get support and supplies for a second Cholera Treatment Center site.


Power Tillers And Snails For Demining In Sri Lanka, Emanuela Cepolina Aug 2006

Power Tillers And Snails For Demining In Sri Lanka, Emanuela Cepolina

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This paper presents a project the author has been working on since January 2005 in the context of her doctoral research and offers some of the first results. The topic concerns the participatory design and development of a distributed system for humanitarian-demining operations in Sri Lanka. The completed research is expected to encompass the relationship among landmines, humanitarian technologies and development. This article looks at the adaptation of power tillers for demining applications in Sri Lanka using a participatory design methodology called the Snail System.


Angola Project, Country Profile Aug 2006

Angola Project, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Roots of Peace, based in California, was founded in 1997 by Heidi Kuhn with the goal of freeing the world from landmines. The organization takes a unique approach to mine clearance, turning minefields into farmland. Currently, Roots of Peace is working on two projects in southeastern Angola. A 26-year civil war resulted in landmines and unexploded ordnance being scattered throughout the country and also created an unstable economy. Roots of Peace is working with Conservation International to clear access corridors for elephants and with World Vision to help Angola increase agricultural production.


Book Reviews, Cisr Journal Feb 2006

Book Reviews, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Book Review: Vanna’s Dance, Maria Almudevar-van Santen


Assisting Landmine Accident Survivors In The Thai-Burmese Border Region, Imbert Matthee Feb 2006

Assisting Landmine Accident Survivors In The Thai-Burmese Border Region, Imbert Matthee

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.


Demining In Iran, Eddie Banks Feb 2006

Demining In Iran, Eddie Banks

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The United Nations classification of mine-affected countries names the Islamic Republic of Iran as one of the world’s most affected countries. Historically Iran has been called the “cradle of civilization,” and it contains a number of important historical sites, including the ancient city of Persepolis (or Takht-e-Jamshid), which was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 322 B.C.


Afghanistan, Country Profile Feb 2006

Afghanistan, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.


Steel Wheels In Mozambique, Johan Van Zyl Feb 2006

Steel Wheels In Mozambique, Johan Van Zyl

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This down-in-the-trenches story about using a Casspir fitted with steel wheels to demine in Mozambique in the early 1990s makes you feel like you are right there. Getting rid of the mines was not the only problem the deminers had; sometimes getting past the insurgents was more challenging.


Cambodia, Country Profile Feb 2006

Cambodia, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.


Jordan, Country Profile Feb 2006

Jordan, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.


The Road To Mine Action And Development: The Life-Cycle Perspective Of Mine Action, Ted Paterson, Eric Filippino Feb 2006

The Road To Mine Action And Development: The Life-Cycle Perspective Of Mine Action, Ted Paterson, Eric Filippino

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

There are four main steps to completing the life cycle of mine action, and demining is just a small part. Without development, citizens continue to live in poverty and under oppression. The authors outline the four-step life cycle of mine action.


From Interventions To Integration: Mine Risk Education And Community Liaison, Jo Durham Feb 2006

From Interventions To Integration: Mine Risk Education And Community Liaison, Jo Durham

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mine risk education has become an integral part of humanitarian mine action, as emphasised by the recent adoption of the International Mine Action Standards on MRE. This article explores the development of MRE from the perspective of one HMA agency: the Mines Advisory Group. As with many other HMA operators, in MAG programmes, MRE and community liaison—alongside Technical Survey, explosive ordnance disposal and area clearance—have been part of MAG’s overall strategy to reduce risk in communities affected by the explosive remnants of war. This article looks at how MAG’s approach to MRE has developed and shifted in focus from MRE …