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Articles 31 - 60 of 111
Full-Text Articles in Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration
Paved With Good Intentions: The Realities Of “Safe” Versus “Free”, Roger West
Paved With Good Intentions: The Realities Of “Safe” Versus “Free”, Roger West
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Government-initiated landmine and unexploded ordnance clearance policies often dictate unrealistic standards and goals that differ from the practical reality of landmine/UXO removal. The end use of the land, as well as the variables of munitions deterioration due to aging and environment, and the level of expected risk should be considered in landmine/UXO policy-making.
Landmine Victim Or Landmine Survivor: What Is In A Name?, Melanie Reimer, Teresa Broers
Landmine Victim Or Landmine Survivor: What Is In A Name?, Melanie Reimer, Teresa Broers
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
victims by some and landmine survivors by others. Their view of self, as well as the perspectives of their families, communities and that of aid agencies, toward the terms ‘victim’ or ‘survivor’, may significantly affect their recovery and their ability to reintegrate into their communities. We will present a summary of the literature addressing the victim/survivor continuum, as well as the different vantage points of using victim-versus-survivor terminology and the potential influence this language has in shaping injured individuals’ recovery./p>
The Database Of Demining Accidents: A Driving Force In Hma, Andy Smith
The Database Of Demining Accidents: A Driving Force In Hma, Andy Smith
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article evaluates the need for a centralized accident-report database within the field of humanitarian mine action. The author argues that the failure to report accidents by on-site personnel can inadvertently lead to otherwise avoidable accidents where similar events occur. The author highlights the benefits that the database has provided for the community and makes several recommendations on how to further reduce severe injury within the industry.
Information Quality Management In Mine Action, Armen Harutyunyan
Information Quality Management In Mine Action, Armen Harutyunyan
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Data management is a vital component of mine-action operations. Mismanagement of data originates in the field and often leads to unorganized operations and additional costs. A refocus on data-management guidelines and methodologies will result in better quality data management throughout the field.
We Can Only Be “Mine-Safe” When We Are “Mine-Free”, Tamar Gabelnick
We Can Only Be “Mine-Safe” When We Are “Mine-Free”, Tamar Gabelnick
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Despite the fact that the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction makes no mention of the term “mine-safe,” it is still a frequent term used by mine-contaminated states. However, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines maintains that in order for states to be safe from the dangers posed by mines, all mined areas must be cleared—not only those areas which are deemed to pose an immediate threat.
Humanitarian Disarmament, Pascal Rapillard
Humanitarian Disarmament, Pascal Rapillard
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article examines the evolution of international humanitarian law, specifically as it relates to the conventions banning or restricting conventional weapons. The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction and the Convention on Cluster Munitions are discussed here, as they form a distinctive type of disarmament—humanitarian disarmament.
Tucker’S Story: Dca’S Trustworthy Man In The Field, Tamar Szeps-Znaider
Tucker’S Story: Dca’S Trustworthy Man In The Field, Tamar Szeps-Znaider
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article offers a brief glimpse into the path of an Angolan deminer who, over the years, has developed into a known figure within the international mine action community. Quickly rising through positions of responsibility, Tucker demonstrates qualities of leadership, and his success is a testament to his work ethic and dedication.
Land Rights In Mine-Affected Countries, Jon Unruh, Gabrielle Chaizy, Sharmala Naidoo
Land Rights In Mine-Affected Countries, Jon Unruh, Gabrielle Chaizy, Sharmala Naidoo
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Land rights in conflict and post-conflict environments is an increasing area of concern within humanitarian and development communities. When conflicts end, land rights may be threatened, especially for women, subsistence farmers and other marginalized populations. Secure land rights are, therefore, a critical issue for humanitarian response, sustainable peace-building and longer-term economic recovery, particularly in countries where agriculture is key to livelihoods. While mine-action activities such as priority-setting, survey and clearance bring mine-action organizations into direct contact with land-rights issues, most tend to avoid these issues. This article looks at how mine-action organizations can better address land issues.
Mine Action Development Funding In Bosnia And Herzegovina, Michael Carrier, John Powell
Mine Action Development Funding In Bosnia And Herzegovina, Michael Carrier, John Powell
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Mine action seeks to eliminate the lingering effects of contamination from landmines and explosive remnants of war, but the need for development in these communities often trumps clearance and mine-risk education activities. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, where clearance activities are expected to continue until 2019, the Swiss Development Cooperation and Handicap International are exploring new ways for mine action to integrate development efforts into more traditional mine-action efforts.
Integrating Erw Programs: The Case For Consolidating Cwd Activities, Mark Adams
Integrating Erw Programs: The Case For Consolidating Cwd Activities, Mark Adams
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
For years, the mine-action community has been revising its definition of explosive remnants of war. Viewing unexploded ordnance, landmines, ammunition stockpiles, and small arms/light weapons as individual threats, the mine-action community has created distinct budgets, programs and policies to address each of them. What were beginning to realize, however, is that a more integrated approach allows for greater progress in reducing the ERW threat.
The Growing Threat To Humanitarian Operations, Adrian King
The Growing Threat To Humanitarian Operations, Adrian King
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Deminers and other humanitarian-aid workers around the world, though previously viewed as off-limits, have become targets of distrust and even violence by certain groups. This article explores the reasons for this shift in ideology, and what action humanitarian organizations must take in order to protect their personnel.
Strengthening The Demining Sector Response To Hiv/Aids In Sub-Saharan Africa, Martin Chitsama
Strengthening The Demining Sector Response To Hiv/Aids In Sub-Saharan Africa, Martin Chitsama
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In this article, the author explores how HIV/AIDS affects deminers in the African areas where the disease is most prevalent. He considers how deminers’ lifestyles make them especially susceptible to HIV/AIDS and suggests mobile HIV/AIDS programs can effectively combat this growing threat.
Mine-Action Funding: Gichd Survey Of Donor Countries, Jean Devlin, Sharmala Naidoo
Mine-Action Funding: Gichd Survey Of Donor Countries, Jean Devlin, Sharmala Naidoo
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
A recent survey of donors conducted by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining found that, while short-term donor support remains strong, levels of funding may decrease and become more unpredictable over the coming years.
Redefining Success: Whose Reality Counts?, Asa Massleberg
Redefining Success: Whose Reality Counts?, Asa Massleberg
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article redefines how the mine-action community should measure accountability and effectiveness, suggesting that more thoughtful effort should be taken to measure success. It discusses recent developments in evaluating mine-action activities, examines the increased role of local communities as stakeholders and details the use of Mines Advisory Group’s impact-assessment tool in Sudan.
Micro-Projects Help Socioeconomic Recovery Of Cleared Areas, Carlos Orozco
Micro-Projects Help Socioeconomic Recovery Of Cleared Areas, Carlos Orozco
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Organization of American States’ recent experiences in Nicaragua and Colombia have shown that, in addition to large projects, micro-projects—such as building farms or gardens—are a necessary step in the rehabilitation of cleared lands. Because of the extensive amount of vulnerable area in these mine-affected countries, the continual support of micro-projects not only facilitates development activities, but also lays the groundwork for reaching the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
Non-State Actors And Mine Action: Complications And Solutions, Cisr Journal
Non-State Actors And Mine Action: Complications And Solutions, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The role of non-state actors in mine action is an important and complicated issue to consider. While the United Nations does not recognize NSAs as official representatives of countries or governments, NSAs can still play an active part in reducing landmine and weapons proliferation around the globe. This article discusses the complications surrounding NSAs and the efforts being taken to include them in mine-action discussions.
Mine-Action Success Story: Nepal, Stephen Robinson
Mine-Action Success Story: Nepal, Stephen Robinson
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
After a decade of conflict in Nepal, the signing of the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement initiated mine clearance. By December 2009, all explosives in the Maoist cantonment sites had been eliminated. This article examines the extent of Nepal’s mine-action successes, while offering a number of lessons for mine-afflicted states to consider in their programs.
Letter To The Editor, Tamar Gabelnick
Letter To The Editor, Tamar Gabelnick
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
I was dismayed to read Dennis Barlow’s editorial “Amending the Ottawa Convention: A Way Forward,” in the Winter 2009 edition of The Journal of ERW and Mine Action. The idea of weakening one of the core provisions of this highly effective treaty should raise alarm bells throughout the mine-action community. The treaty as it stands provides the best protection for civilians living in mine-affected countries without placing an undue burden on their governments.
Ottawa Survey Results, Nicole Neitzey
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.
The Performance Of Militaries In Humanitarian Demining, Ted Paterson
The Performance Of Militaries In Humanitarian Demining, Ted Paterson
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Studies indicate that humanitarian demining under civilian oversight is safer and more cost-efficient than humanitarian demining under military oversight. This article provides examples supporting such evidence, cites possible exceptions, and explores reasons for performance inadequacies in military demining units.
Aid Effectiveness In Insecure Areas, Sharmala Naidoo
Aid Effectiveness In Insecure Areas, Sharmala Naidoo
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The issue of aid effectiveness in conflict-affected and insecure areas is receiving increased attention within the development community. The Paris Declaration on Aid EffectivenessPrinciples for Good International Engagement in Fragile States and Situations and the recent Accra Agenda for Action signal donor and recipient commitment to improve the effectiveness of aid. Conflict-affected countries often present aid-effectiveness challenges that require special attention—but what does this mean for countries affected by mines and explosive remnants of war? This article examines recent developments, highlighting some implications for mine action.
Ieds And Their Impact On Mine Action, Adrian King
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.
Change Is The Only Constant, Zlatko Gegic
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.
Venezuela, Country Profile
Venezuela, Country Profile
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Since October 1999, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has been a State Party to the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention, which it signed 3 December 1997, and ratified 14 April 1999. Upon ratification of the convention, the document became a national law of Venezuela. At the U.N. Conference on Disarmament in 2004, Venezuela announced that it had fulfilled its duties to the Convention in 2003, destroying 47,189 AP mines and keeping 5,000 landmines for military training. The country also announced that it had enacted the Disarmament Act in 2003, which sought to eliminate the illegal possession of small arms/light weapons from …
Cluster Munitions: The Ban Process, Cisr Journal
Cluster Munitions: The Ban Process, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Cluster munitions are a serious issue because of the lack of specialized restrictions on their use and the high volume of explosive remnants of war that the weapons can create. Although all weapons are governed by international law, the lack of a specific convention addressing these weapons led many nongovernmental organizations and countries to join together to create a ban in what has become known as the Oslo Process, with the most recent conference held in May 2008 in Dublin.
Medical Support To Demining In Sudan, Russell Wyper
Medical Support To Demining In Sudan, Russell Wyper
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
With an area of more than one million square miles (2,589,988 square kilometers), Sudan is the largest country on the African continent and has been at the center of decades of conflict since it gained its independence in 1959. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in January 2005 brought to end a vicious civil war and marked the beginning of an era of relative peace. This article outlines the health challenges involved in mine action in Sudan and highlights the actions taken by the United Nations Mine Action Office in Sudan to address issues of medical support to humanitarian-demining operations in …
Cluster Munitions: Should They Be Banned?, Henry Dowlen, Md
Cluster Munitions: Should They Be Banned?, Henry Dowlen, Md
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Cluster munitions have been used in at least 23 countries, produced in 33 and stockpiled in over 70; their submunitions number into the billions. They cause lasting humanitarian problems and have recently been the target of campaigns to ban their use. This article aims to summarize the history, utility, legacy and legislation surrounding cluster munitions.
Demining And The Environment: A Primer, Cisr Journal, Anthony Morin
Demining And The Environment: A Primer, Cisr Journal, Anthony Morin
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Since their widespread use during World War II, landmines have arguably become one of the most significant social, economic and environmental problems of the last half-century. Restricting access to land, roads and water supplies, landmines have been responsible for the displacement of persons and the stagnation of basic infrastructure development in every region of the world. They have also caused land and soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and severe limitations to agricultural productivity. These issues, along with several others, were at the heart of the mine-action debate during creation of the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention in 1997.
Time To Steady The Pendulum, Eddie Banks
Time To Steady The Pendulum, Eddie Banks
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The author questions whether the ever-increasing emphasis on standards is diametrically opposed to principles of the United Nations and the International Mine Action Standards and whether the implementation of the IMAS restricts a humanitarian response.
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.