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Full-Text Articles in Emergency and Disaster Management
I Remember My Lost Leg: The Story Of Istahil, Dahib Mohamad Odwaa
I Remember My Lost Leg: The Story Of Istahil, Dahib Mohamad Odwaa
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
As a young girl of just 11 years, Istahil Ismail Ali's life was changed in an instant when she became the victim of a landmine explosion and lost her leg. The author tells of her challenges and the hardships her family has suffered as a result, while also describing the proactive measures Istahil has taken to combat this injustice.
Mine Action Support Group Update, Cisr Journal
Mine Action Support Group Update, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article contains excerpts from the United Nations' third quarterly newsletter in 2007, which highlights the activities of the Mine Action Support Group from July to September 2007, including updates from the United Nations Mine Action Service, the United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF.
Intelligent Robotic Behaviors For Landmine Detection And Marking, David Bremmer, David Few, Curtis Nielsen, Miles Walton
Intelligent Robotic Behaviors For Landmine Detection And Marking, David Bremmer, David Few, Curtis Nielsen, Miles Walton
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article discusses experimental results achieved with a robotic countermine system that utilizes autonomous behaviors and a mixed-initiative control scheme to address the challenges of detecting and marking buried landmines. By correlating aerial imagery and ground-based robot mapping, the interface provides context for the operator to task the robot. Once tasked, the robot can perform the search and detection task without the use of accurate global positioning system information or continuous communication with the operator. Results show that the system was able to find and mark landmines with a very low level of human involvement. In addition, the data indicates …
Lessons Learned From Field Tests In Croatia And Cambodia, Paulo Debenest, Marc Freese, Edwardo Fukushima, Toshiaki Matsuzawa, Shigeo Hirose
Lessons Learned From Field Tests In Croatia And Cambodia, Paulo Debenest, Marc Freese, Edwardo Fukushima, Toshiaki Matsuzawa, Shigeo Hirose
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article describes the development and the experiments performed with Gryphon, a new platform for tele-operated landmine detection. With Gryphon, the authors aim at reducing the gap between research and application by introducing partial autonomy in mine-detection operations with a robust platform. Tests have been performed in Croatia and Cambodia.
The Parable Of The Two Sons, Dennis Barlow
The Parable Of The Two Sons, Dennis Barlow
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
No abstract provided.
Jordan: Safeguarding Life And Promoting Development, Esma Al-Samarai, Stephen Bryant
Jordan: Safeguarding Life And Promoting Development, Esma Al-Samarai, Stephen Bryant
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Jordan signed the Ottawa Convention in 1999 and is working to comply with the regulations by the May 2009 deadline. Jordan has enlisted Norwegian People's Aid to help the Royal Engineering Corps meet its deadline. Surveys have been completed and suspected hazardous areas have been significantly reduced. NPA is continuing to demine areas with the help of mine-detecting dogs and a MineWolf machine. The overall goal is to clear the land to allow agriculture and industry to return to areas currently inaccessible due to the threat of landmines.
Getting A Piece Of The Pie: Lebanese Women Become Deminers, Marie Mills
Getting A Piece Of The Pie: Lebanese Women Become Deminers, Marie Mills
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Swedish Rescue Services Agency was one of the first organizations to enter Lebanon after the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. The enormous amount of unexploded ordnance littering southern Lebanon led to a need for a more sustainable program than the initial small operation provided. The more expansive program sought deminers and, to the surprise of the SRSA, many women showed interest. Several were hired and trained, and proved themselves to be able workers in the field. The success of the program in Lebanon has had some wondering why it has taken so long for women in the Middle East …
Landmines/Explosive Remnants Of War And The War On Terrorism In The Middle East And North Africa (Mena), Ayman Sorour
Landmines/Explosive Remnants Of War And The War On Terrorism In The Middle East And North Africa (Mena), Ayman Sorour
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article looks at the relationship between the existing landmine and explosive remnants of war problem in the Middle East and North Africa, and terrorist activities in the area by explaining the scope of the mine/ERW problem in the region; the huge availability of explosives for use in illegal activities, particularly terrorism; and the case of Algeria and Egypt being affected by recent terrorist acts.
Global Environmental Demining Issues, Ian Mclean, Rebecca Sargisson
Global Environmental Demining Issues, Ian Mclean, Rebecca Sargisson
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The environmental impact of any human action cannot be underestimated—even humanitarian demining—given the global repercussions in this era of explosive growth. The authors discuss the consequences of thoughtless action and provide valuable context concerning the vast extent to which human beings impact the environment.
Mine Action And The Environment, Faiz Paktian
Mine Action And The Environment, Faiz Paktian
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
While global warming is a hot environmental topic these days and scientists agree that unless we act soon to significantly reduce global pollution, average temperatures will continue to rise, causing heat waves, rising sea levels, droughts and wildfires. It is also important to look at mine-action procedures and activities to ensure our industry is in compliance with the world's requirements on environment protection. There is perhaps a need, more than ever before, to remind national mine-action authorities and demining organisations of their responsibility to ensure that demining operations not only be carried out in a safe, effective and efficient manner, …
Mag (Mines Advisory Group), Cisr Journal
Mag (Mines Advisory Group), Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
MAG, also known as the Mines Advisory Group, whose motto is "saves lives, builds futures," takes a proactive role in meeting the needs of individuals in mine-affected countries through peacebuilding, community liaison and mine-risk education. With operations located in Angola, Cambodia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Vietnam, MAG has learned to incorporate old and new techniques, resulting in prosperous futures for many.
A Harvest Of Hope: Roots Of Peace Celebrates 10 Years, Heidi Kuhn
A Harvest Of Hope: Roots Of Peace Celebrates 10 Years, Heidi Kuhn
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Roots of Peace focuses on mined farming areas and specializes in rebuilding these areas for farmers. To aid this process, the organization promotes the growing of sustainable and high-value crops. This article describes some of the organization's successful efforts in Afghanistan and argues the effectiveness of its approach for future mine-action efforts.
Iraq, Country Profile
Iraq, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Since 2003, the government of Iraq has taken action against mines and unexploded ordnance. On 15 August 2007, Iraq acceded to the Ottawa Convention becoming the 155th State Party. The rising levels of violence in the region, however, have made focusing on mine action difficult for the Iraqi government—or anyone, for that matter. The decrease in security has taken focus, time and energy from ridding the country of its extensive problems with landmines and other explosive remnants of war.
The Va Information System In Bih, Zoran Grujic
The Va Information System In Bih, Zoran Grujic
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Because of the conflict there in the 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has been plagued by landmines, unexploded ordnance, explosive remnants of war and all of the problems associated with them. With so many victims, the need for an organized system to help these people was imperative. In this article, the author describes how the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center and other organisations helped establish an information system in BiH to help inform landmine victims about what they can do to help themselves and their families.
As Mines Grow Old, Colin King
As Mines Grow Old, Colin King
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In most cases, the mines being cleared around the world were emplaced decades ago; yet the techniques and equipment being used during clearance treat them as though they were new. The author looks briefly at the effects of ageing on mines and considers possible implications.
Minesweeper: Not Just A Game Anymore, Andres Mack
Minesweeper: Not Just A Game Anymore, Andres Mack
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Cornell MineSweeper is a nonprofit student organization founded in 2006 by Cornell University engineering student Vikas Reddy that integrates robotics technology and humanitarian initiatives. The team, comprised of over 40 highly dedicated Cornell students, is designing practical robotic vehicles—still in the concept stage—to assist with demining efforts worldwide.
Kurdish Landmine Plight Across And Along The Borders, Armin Köhli
Kurdish Landmine Plight Across And Along The Borders, Armin Köhli
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article discusses the intricate global and internal conflicts that plague the Kurdish region with emphasis on the profound impact these conflicts have on mine action in this area of the Middle East.
Unsung Hero: Howard "Jim" Yoder, Cisr Journal
Unsung Hero: Howard "Jim" Yoder, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Since getting involved in mine action six years ago, Jim Yoder has contributed his dedication and long hours in the field to help reap humanitarian benefits for many people in Thailand, Cambodia and now the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Yoder is an inspiration to his peers and the many others he has reached through his work.
Mine-Clearance Activities And Ansa Participation: An Analysis, Sadi Caysi
Mine-Clearance Activities And Ansa Participation: An Analysis, Sadi Caysi
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Effective mine action requires numerous actors to peacefully collaborate: governmental and nongovernmental, international and local. Armed non-state actors (ANSA) that operate beyond central control, such as rebel opposition groups and paramilitary organizations, and private defense companies can often provide necessary contributions to mine action. Understanding ANSAs allows humanitarian organizations to communicate, cooperate and avoid conflict.
Clearing The Way For A More Productive Future, Sophia Aron
Clearing The Way For A More Productive Future, Sophia Aron
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
For many communities, the land is their livelihood; however, the threat of landmines has affected agricultural communities all over the world. In this article, the author describes how, in Yemen, the United Nations Development Programme and other organizations are using techniques that fully preserve the environment and still allow for safe, successful demining.
Buy A Schonstedt, Save A Life, Cisr Journal
Buy A Schonstedt, Save A Life, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Schonstedt Instrument Company takes an active role in promoting social responsibility by donating one magnetic locator to the United Nations Mine Action Team for every Tracemaster II or XTpc commercial cable/utilities locator Schonstedt sells. In creating and implementing this initiative, the company helps countries lacking extensive resources increase their demining capabilities.
Undp Management Training Programme For National Mine Action Managers, Charles Downs
Undp Management Training Programme For National Mine Action Managers, Charles Downs
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The current training programmes for National Mine Action Managers are examined to determine the advantages of the courses as well as areas in which the programmes can be improved.
Environmental Damages From Minefields, Raafat Misak, S. Omar
Environmental Damages From Minefields, Raafat Misak, S. Omar
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Desert Storm brought Iraqi Forces to Kuwait and, with them, mines. Aerial diagrams illustrate the areas of Kuwait still littered with landmines. Landmines are causing significant short- and long-term damage to the environment, resulting in soil erosion, destruction of vegetation and topsoil, and negatively impacting wildlife.
Demichain: A New Concept Of Mechanical Demining, Rene Joeckle
Demichain: A New Concept Of Mechanical Demining, Rene Joeckle
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
DEMICHAIN is a new concept for mechanical demining, in which a horizontal web of heavy chains hung several metres above a surface to be cleared is dropped in a free fall and delivers a mechanical impulse over the whole surface hit by the chains. A pressure wave expands in the soil and is expected to trigger the active landmines. A description of the device is given, as well as comparisons to other demining devices. The author offers that DEMICHAIN provides numerous advantages to current mechanical-demining techniques, though it requires further testing before it can be used in real-life situations.
Gender In Mine Action: The Tajikistan Experience, Shahrinisso Davlyatova
Gender In Mine Action: The Tajikistan Experience, Shahrinisso Davlyatova
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article discusses the involvement of Tajik women in educating those in their communities about the threats of landmines and unexploded ordnance. It also highlights why there is an increased danger from landmines and unexploded ordnance for women and children.
Humanitarian Impact Evaluation: Battlefield Area Clearance In South Lebanon, Aneeza Pasha
Humanitarian Impact Evaluation: Battlefield Area Clearance In South Lebanon, Aneeza Pasha
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
After the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Handicap International sent battlefield-area clearance teams to South Lebanon to help clear the land of unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war. This article is a report of the impact on the civilian population due to the conflict and the impact of the cleanup efforts by HI. It aims to provide narrative and statistical data to demonstrate the humanitarian impact of Handicap International’s BAC efforts in South Lebanon from December 2006 to December 2007.
Gender Issue: An Example From Lao Pdr, Jo Durham
Gender Issue: An Example From Lao Pdr, Jo Durham
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article begins with a brief overview of the literature that helped frame a gender assessment MAG undertook and put gender into perspective within the broader development discourse, helping to identify where there are important linkages between gender and mine action. Following this summary, which highlights the centrality of gender in poverty-eradication efforts, an overview of the assessment (including methods and key findings) is provided
Will Oslo Be The Next Ottawa? The Cluster-Munitions Debate, Jeff Abramson
Will Oslo Be The Next Ottawa? The Cluster-Munitions Debate, Jeff Abramson
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
More than a decade has passed since the monumental Ottawa Mine Ban Convention was opened for signature in December 1997. Now, with the adoption of the text of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in May 2008, the global community is closer than ever to an international agreement prohibiting the use of cluster munitions. A review of the key issues underpinning the debate on cluster munitions follows.
Connecting The Dots: The Ottawa Convention And The Ccm, Ken Rutherford, Nerina Čevra, Tracey Begley
Connecting The Dots: The Ottawa Convention And The Ccm, Ken Rutherford, Nerina Čevra, Tracey Begley
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions have refined the victim-assistance concepts found in the Ottawa Convention by defining victim assistance and clarifying VA obligations in the CCM. As the authors note, States Parties recognize that change can only be created through the people who implement it.
Gender In Community Consultations, Hilde Vandeskog Wallacher
Gender In Community Consultations, Hilde Vandeskog Wallacher
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Landmine removal within Cambodia has been an important, unsolved problem for many years. This article focuses on mine-action strategies for gender mainstreaming in the community consultations carried out in rural, mine-affected areas in Cambodia.