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Full-Text Articles in Emergency and Disaster Management
Insight Into Gis Usage In Dangerous Area Survey, Penelope Caswell
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.
Masg Update, Cisr Journal
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.
Sri Lanka: Mine Action In A Deteriorating Environment, Chris Rush
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.
Survey And Land Release: Lessons From Recent Country Experience, Charles Downs
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.
The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 13.2 (2009), Cisr Journal
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
Reflections From The Field: Lao Pdr, Surveys And Land Release, Stephen Pritchard
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.
Land Cancellation And Release, Parvis Mavlonkulov
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.
Clearing Areas Right; Clearing The Right Areas, Håvard Bach
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.
A Conversation About Land Cancellation And Release With H. Murphey “Murf” Mccloy, John Stevens
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.
Land-Release Policies And Human-Security Complexities, Kjell Bjork
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.
Could Local Agricultural Machines Make A Country ‘Impact Free’ By 2010?, Emanuela Cepolina, Matteo Zoppi
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.
Making Land Release In Mozambique Operational, Antonio Belchior, Charles Downs
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.
Masg Update, Cisr Journal
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.
Sustainability In World Education’S Uxo Education And Awareness Program In Lao Pdr, Barbara Lewis, Sarah Bruinooge
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.
International Trust Fund, Cisr Journal
International Trust Fund, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance is an organization that raises donations for mine action in Southeastern Europe and administers the donations to areas in need. The goal of the organization is to “eliminate the effect of mine contamination ... by 2010.” In 2008, the ITF managed US$33,999,200 in donations from 31 organizations (such as nongovernmental organizations, civic organizations, philanthropies and private companies) and 13 donor countries. It was the largest amount of donations the ITF had received in any single year.
2008, A Year Of Advances And Accomplishments, Johanna Garcia Garcia, Erika Estrada Chau
2008, A Year Of Advances And Accomplishments, Johanna Garcia Garcia, Erika Estrada Chau
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Since 1990, the Organization of American States’ national demining assistance programs have been working to educate citizens about landmines and eliminate existing minefields in Nicaragua. The OAS Acción Integral contra las Minas Antipersonal program has successfully worked to coordinate with the Ministry of Education, local representatives, community leaders and volunteers to promote awareness about landmines, protect people from further injuries and provide rehabilitation for survivors.
Mine-Risk Education In Ecuador: A Person-To-Person Approach, Nelson Romeo Castillo Landazuri
Mine-Risk Education In Ecuador: A Person-To-Person Approach, Nelson Romeo Castillo Landazuri
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
“Explosive Mines Kill” is the message that the Organization of American States’ Acción Integral contra las Minas Antipersonal program wants to get across to communities living in mined areas in Ecuador. By taking an interpersonal approach to mine-risk education, the AICMA campaign advocates hope to raise awareness about the risks associated with anti-personnel mines and unexploded ordnance.
Mre And Community Leader Involvement In Risk-Prone Colombia, Lina Maria Ariaz Rojas, Ginna Andrea Lozano Jiménez
Mre And Community Leader Involvement In Risk-Prone Colombia, Lina Maria Ariaz Rojas, Ginna Andrea Lozano Jiménez
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The presence of unexploded ordnance and anti-personnel mines in regions of Colombia has displaced families and stirred up fear throughout the population. The Organization of American States’ Acción Integral contra las Minas Antipersonal program is bringing hope to these suffering communities by providing mine-risk education to its leaders and through creative awareness programs in its school systems.
International Support To Mine Action In Colombia: Mitigating Impact And Protecting Rights, Charles Downs
International Support To Mine Action In Colombia: Mitigating Impact And Protecting Rights, Charles Downs
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Ending the decades-long violence in Colombia is the only way to eliminate all landmines from the country. Until that time, there is a need to mitigate their impact, minimize the number of new victims and assure better assistance to survivors.
Comprehensive Medical Assistance For Landmine Survivors In Nicaragua, Cecilia Bustamante
Comprehensive Medical Assistance For Landmine Survivors In Nicaragua, Cecilia Bustamante
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The victim-assistance component of the Acción Integral contra las Minas Antipersonal program was established in Nicaragua in 1997, and similar programs were set up across Central America. In Nicaragua, the AICMA victim-assistance element aims to help landmine victims obtain physical and psychological care, and provides them access to medical specialists they could not otherwise see. With many victims unable to pay for their medical treatment, the AICMA is coordinating funding and removing the financial burden of travel and lodging for treatment.
Latin Victims Are Invisible To The International Media, Vinicius Souza, Maria Eugênia Sá
Latin Victims Are Invisible To The International Media, Vinicius Souza, Maria Eugênia Sá
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Colombia continues to be the country with the highest number of new anti-personnel landmine victims in the world, with 10 other countries on the American continents having problems with mines as well. This situation, however, seems not to exist for the international news media. Even specialized publications seldom show a picture or publish an article about Central or South America; consequently, most people still believe that the landmine problem is confined exclusively to Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Mine-Risk Education In Mine Action: How Is It Effective?, Sharif Baaser, Hugues Laurenge, Eric Filippino
Mine-Risk Education In Mine Action: How Is It Effective?, Sharif Baaser, Hugues Laurenge, Eric Filippino
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
While mine-risk education has faced questions about its effectiveness, it has been an important part of mine action for the past 20 years. As mine action continues to evolve, so does MRE and the ways in which it operates and works with at-risk communities. Continued success in many different countries has shown the effectiveness of MRE and the necessity of the discipline.
The Challenges Of Ied Awareness And Mre In Afghanistan, Mathias Hagstrøm
The Challenges Of Ied Awareness And Mre In Afghanistan, Mathias Hagstrøm
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Improvised explosive devices have become a significant threat to the people of Afghanistan and have surpassed the threat posed by other types of explosive remnants of war. In order to combat these dangers, the United Nations Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan has worked closely with other groups to develop an IED-awareness booklet that supports current mine-risk-education efforts.
The Role Of Education On Awareness Of Ammunition-Dismantling Risks, Brunilda Zenelaga
The Role Of Education On Awareness Of Ammunition-Dismantling Risks, Brunilda Zenelaga
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The blasts from an ammunition dismantling factory in Gërdec, Albania, an accident caused by untrained employees at the facility, resulted in deaths and injuries and damaged homes for factory workers and nearby villagers in March 2008. This article suggests that training employers and workers to follow necessary safety procedures, as well as raising village awareness of the dangers of these ammunitions facilities, will help prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Beyond Weapons Collection: Promoting Safe And Responsible Sa/Lw Management, Nicolas Florquin, Karina Lynge, Klaus Ljørring Pedersen
Beyond Weapons Collection: Promoting Safe And Responsible Sa/Lw Management, Nicolas Florquin, Karina Lynge, Klaus Ljørring Pedersen
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
While the traditional focuses of many small-arms/light-weapons programs have been weapons collection and curbing proliferation, some humanitarian organizations—like Geneva Call and Danish Demining Group—advocate a model based on the promotion of safe and responsible weapons management. As illustrated by the experience of DDG with communities in Somaliland and by Geneva Call’s efforts with armed non-state actors, a participatory approach to weapons regulation and management offers promising alternatives to traditional weapons-control initiatives.
Mapping Development Organizations: Success Depends On Mine Action, Charles Downs
Mapping Development Organizations: Success Depends On Mine Action, Charles Downs
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Development initiatives around the world stand to gain from stronger collaboration with the mine-action community; however, this relationship is all too often underappreciated in areas where conflict has mandated resuscitating infrastructure, revitalizing the economy and resettling displaced persons. The Survey Action Center’s ongoing project on development organizations’ use (and occasionally misuse) of mine-action information intends to help mend the partnership between mine-action and non-mine-action actors.
First Workshop On Regional Approaches To Stockpile Reduction In Southeast Europe, Daniele Ressler, Dave Diaz, Laurie Freeman
First Workshop On Regional Approaches To Stockpile Reduction In Southeast Europe, Daniele Ressler, Dave Diaz, Laurie Freeman
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Faced with the significant security and humanitarian impacts of stockpiled weapons and munitions, countries and organizations in Southeast Europe met in May to discuss strategies for stockpile reduction. The workshop, held in Croatia, focused on regional approaches to this problem, emphasizing information-sharing and coordination across borders.
Uzbekistan Ammunition Depot Explosion Cleanup: U.S. Dod Support, Cisr Journal
Uzbekistan Ammunition Depot Explosion Cleanup: U.S. Dod Support, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
A recent ammunition explosion in Kagan, Uzbekistan, prompted an appeal for international aid. As a result, Lieutenant Colonel Gary Bolos led a team of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Non-Commissioned Officers from the United States Department of Defense into Uzbekistan to deliver equipment and train the Uzbek Army on proper detection and removal of the ammunition with a limited budget and restricted schedule.
Prostheses For Pachyderm Landmine Survivors, Cisr Journal
Prostheses For Pachyderm Landmine Survivors, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Many times the only landmine survivors considered candidates for prostheses are humans; however, there are also pachyderm victims in need of assistance. Along the Thai-Burmese border, a heavily mined area, elephants that are used for logging, as well as wild elephants, often fall victim to landmines. Lacking other options and unable to care for the animals in this condition, their caretakers frequently opt to end the animals’ lives.
Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield
Geneva Diary: Report From The Gichd, Ian Mansfield
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining has been busy over the last several months. The GICHD recently organized an African Francophone Conference on demining in Benin and provided technical input for the recent Convention on Cluster Munitions. In addition, GICHD published technical guides related to road clearance, safe ammunition storage and cluster munitions.