Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
Articles 451 - 480 of 1244
Full-Text Articles in Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration
Small-Arms And Light-Weapons Risk Education In Iraq, Meredith Wotten, Kirsty Jenatsch
Small-Arms And Light-Weapons Risk Education In Iraq, Meredith Wotten, Kirsty Jenatsch
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
MAG (Mines Advisory Group) has one of Iraq’s most established mine-risk education programs. In 2007, MAG identified a regional need to warn people, particularly children, about the risk of handling guns and other weapons. Drawing on more than 16 years of experience and skill in MRE delivery, MAG aimed to adapt existing methodologies and successfully expand the MRE program to include small-arms and light-weapons risks.
The Mine Action Technology Workshop, Nicole Neitzey
The Mine Action Technology Workshop, Nicole Neitzey
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Sponsored by the United Nations Mine Action Service and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, the Mine Action Technology Workshop is a biannual event held in Geneva, Switzerland in early September. The 2010 event featured theoretical and practical discussions, as well as a newly added opportunity to see technology in action. This article highlights the events and outcomes of the workshop.
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.
U.N. Announces Nepal Is Minefield-Free, News Brief
U.N. Announces Nepal Is Minefield-Free, News Brief
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
On 14 June 2011, the U.N. declared Nepal to be minefield-free. Nepalese troops cleared the last of the 53 minefields remaining from Nepal’s 10-year civil conflict (1996–2006).
Lessons Learned: Sri Lankan Mine-Action Staff Visit Cambodia And Lao Pdr, Sebastian Kasack
Lessons Learned: Sri Lankan Mine-Action Staff Visit Cambodia And Lao Pdr, Sebastian Kasack
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The need for a comprehensive mine-action program is not always recognized as countries pursue demining efforts. This article describes Sri Lankan mine-action groups’ efforts to create a more comprehensive and cohesive mine-action program through regional visits to Cambodia and Lao PDR. It offers insight and advice to groups interested in pursuing the same avenue.
Linking Mine Action And Development: Local-Level Benefits And Challenges, Russell Gasser
Linking Mine Action And Development: Local-Level Benefits And Challenges, Russell Gasser
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In many post-conflict regions, landmines and explosive remnants of war remain, limiting recovery and development even after mine-clearance projects are completed. A number of mine-clearance organizations are starting to promote “linking mine action and development” as a better alternative to a separate and uncoordinated approach.
Clearing Cluster Bombs On The Ho Chi Minh Trail Video Wins Cnn Award, News Brief
Clearing Cluster Bombs On The Ho Chi Minh Trail Video Wins Cnn Award, News Brief
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
CNN announced the video Clearing Cluster Bombs on the Ho Chi Minh Trail as winner of the CNN iReport Community Choice Award on 15 March 2011 for best iReport submitted in 2010.
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.
The Peco Wolverine: Evolution Of A Demining Area-Preparation Tool, Ronald Collins, Thomas Henderson
The Peco Wolverine: Evolution Of A Demining Area-Preparation Tool, Ronald Collins, Thomas Henderson
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
This article discusses the development of an essential mine-action tool: a preparation system for demining areas thick with vegetation. After covering the need for the technology, the authors explain how a commercially available product evolved into a highly capable remote-controlled vegetation cutter for demining, and how the manufacturer subsequently adopted the modified system for the commercial marketplace. Modifications made to the PECO are discussed in depth, and an accompanying analysis provides interesting insight into how the PECO project became a success for those in need of an efficient and effective brush-clearing device.
Integration Of Clearance Assets, Mark Thompson
Integration Of Clearance Assets, Mark Thompson
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Integrating a variety of demining activities, including machines and manual support, is vital to an operation’s efficiency and success. An appropriate integration plan must include analysis of context, support requirements and limitations.
Community Safety In Somalia, Rasmus Stuhr Jakobsen
Community Safety In Somalia, Rasmus Stuhr Jakobsen
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Danish Demining Group is introducing new ways of working with conflict-affected populations in fragile parts of Somalia to pave the way for stabilization by enhancing community safety and improving livelihoods. Through a joint effort with the Danish Refugee Council, DDG strives to increase development and stability in violence-prone regions of Somalia using a community-driven, grassroots approach. This approach allows communities to work together on reconstruction projects as well as intervention strategies aimed at reducing violent behavior.
Amatc: Sustainable Solutions For Humanitarian Mine Action, Karen Reed-Matthee
Amatc: Sustainable Solutions For Humanitarian Mine Action, Karen Reed-Matthee
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Kabul’s Afghan Mine Action Technology Center employs disabled deminers to create demining products. AMATC donates part of its revenue to local physical rehabilitation and treatment facilities, and now employs 11 disabled employees full time.
Land-Release Information Management: Advocating For A Collaborative Approach, Aurora Martinez, Daniel Eriksson
Land-Release Information Management: Advocating For A Collaborative Approach, Aurora Martinez, Daniel Eriksson
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
For land release to become more efficient and less dangerous, operations on the ground need accurate information. Collaboration between information management and operational planning will help increase safety while working toward releasing more land. The most challenging aspect of land release is the identification of boundaries around contaminated areas, and using new information technologies will aid not only operation managers in the area, but also senior managers setting long-term goals.
Organization Profile: Regional Centre On Small Arms And Light Weapons, Cisr Journal
Organization Profile: Regional Centre On Small Arms And Light Weapons, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The following article examines the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons, which was created in March 2000. Since its inception, RECSA has provided its member states with support in the creation of National Focal Points on small-arms control and management. With its help, seven of RECSA’s member states have developed National Action Plans with goals including SA/LW marking, weapons disposal, and SA/LW education/awareness. Two additional countries are expected to have Action Plans in place in 2011.
The United Nations Portfolio Of Mine Action Projects, Cisr Journal
The United Nations Portfolio Of Mine Action Projects, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In Xieng Khouang, Lao PDR, an all-female demining team assesses and clears unexploded ordnance-contaminated land. In Bogotá, Colombia, a team of practitioners nationalizes a plan to train local health personnel about the psychosocial needs of explosive-remnants-of-war victims. In Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, primary schoolchildren attend educational puppet shows about small-arms-and-light-weapons risks. At the heart of each initiative is a collaborative resource-mobilization system called the Portfolio of Mine Action Projects, and in 2010 it gives life to 277 projects in 27 countries.
The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 14.3 (2010), Cisr Journal
The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 14.3 (2010), Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Focus: Looking Beyond Mine Action | Feature: Development and Funding | Special Report: Update on National Programs | Notes from the Field | Research & Development
Mine-Action Program In Southern Sudan, Margaret M. Mathiang
Mine-Action Program In Southern Sudan, Margaret M. Mathiang
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Following more than two decades of civil war between Northern and Southern Sudan, much of Southern Sudan has been left contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war. As a result, the Southern Sudan Demining Authority, along with the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Mine Action Office and other organizations, have been diligently working toward clearing 80 percent of the mines in Southern Sudan by 2011.
Hero Profile: Aki Ra, Cisr Journal
Hero Profile: Aki Ra, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Khmer Rouge made Aki Ra a soldier when he was still a child. Now, close to 30 years later, he can be found working tirelessly to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance in Siem Reap, Cambodia—some planted by his own hands. As a result of his work, the Cambodia Landmine Relief Museum Facility houses thousands of detonated landmines and UXO, and provides a home for orphaned landmine victims. Aki Ra has received international recognition for his humanitarian efforts, including his recent selection as a Top 10 candidate for the CNN Hero of the Year award.
Falkland Islands Demining Pilot Project: Completion Of Phase 1, Robin Swanson
Falkland Islands Demining Pilot Project: Completion Of Phase 1, Robin Swanson
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The United Kingdom has started to remove anti-personnel mines from the Falkland/Malvinas Islands in order to meet its obligations under Article 5 of the Ottawa Convention. A pilot phase was completed in June 2010 to clear four suspected hazardous areas—a critical first step to inform future projects following the conclusion of the Joint U.K.-Argentine Feasibility Study.
In Remembrance: Stephen “Darby” Allan, Cisr Journal
In Remembrance: Stephen “Darby” Allan, Cisr Journal
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Stephen “Darby” Allan, a Technical Field Manager with Mines Advisory Group, died on 15 October 2010, following an explosion in which he was critically injured. The explosion took place around noon as Darby was doing mine-clearance work at a site near Kapoeta, in southern Sudan. He died a few hours later. Darby is survived by his wife Karen and his children, Sarah and David.
The Effect Of Reinforcement Rate Variations On Hits And False Alarms In Remote Explosive Scent Tracing With Dogs, Rebecca Sargisson, Ian Mclean
The Effect Of Reinforcement Rate Variations On Hits And False Alarms In Remote Explosive Scent Tracing With Dogs, Rebecca Sargisson, Ian Mclean
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Detection animals offer untapped potential in terms of locating landmines and explosive ordnance in the field and in the laboratory. In this study, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining investigated the effect of low, medium, and high levels of reward on the performance of six dogs searching filters for explosive odor.
The Advanced Intelligence Decision Support System For The Assessment Of Mine-Suspected Areas, Milan Bajic
The Advanced Intelligence Decision Support System For The Assessment Of Mine-Suspected Areas, Milan Bajic
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Several research and development projects have been created to utilize airborne and spaceborne remote sensing for mine action, but the Advanced Intelligence Decision Support System is the first mine-action technology to successfully combine remote sensing with advanced intelligence methodology. The result is a rigorously operationally validated system that improves hazardous risk assessment for greater efficiency in land cancellation and release. This article discusses the components of the AI DSS system and its achievements in mine action.
Destruction Of Cluster Munitions In Moldova, Colin King
Destruction Of Cluster Munitions In Moldova, Colin King
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
For some countries affected by cluster munitions, the obligations to demilitarize that accompany ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions may appear daunting. In 2009, however, Norwegian People’s Aid undertook a pilot project in Moldova to find a cheaper, more efficient alternative-disposal method. They discovered that not only can destruction of cluster munitions be done more effectively, but also that by using locally administered programs, international organizations can promote capacity building and increased employment while also bolstering national pride and commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The Mine Action Programme Of Afghanistan, Mohammed Haider Reza
The Mine Action Programme Of Afghanistan, Mohammed Haider Reza
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The Mine Action Programme of Afghanistan, coordinated by the Mine Action Coordination Centre of Afghanistan, faces a unique set of challenges in combating the national mine/explosive-remnants-of-war contamination problem. The ongoing war and changing political climate force the country’s mine-action plan to adapt to meet new demands as they emerge. The following summary of MAPA’s activities highlights these challenges and their implications for the continued humanitarian effort in Afghanistan.
Demining Albania 2000–2009: Successes And Lessons Learned, Gregor Sancanin
Demining Albania 2000–2009: Successes And Lessons Learned, Gregor Sancanin
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Following the 1999 Kosovo conflict, Albania sought the most efficient method for demining its land. Mine-action efforts were effectively jump-started with the creation of the Albanian Mine Action Executive, as well as the ratification of the Ottawa Convention. Support from mine-clearance partners and international donors has significantly enhanced the demining effort. This article reviews lessons learned in the process of demining Albania that can be used in future mine-clearance operations.
The Halo Trust Activities In Kuando Kubango, Angola, Rory Forbes, Marie Demulier, Andrew Genung
The Halo Trust Activities In Kuando Kubango, Angola, Rory Forbes, Marie Demulier, Andrew Genung
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
The HALO Trust employs over 900 national staff with eight expatriate managers in Angola. In 2008 HALO was responsible for 47 percent of the mined area cleared and 87 percent of the mines cleared in Angola. Its recent focus has been Kuando Kubango province—one of the most heavily mined areas of Angola and also one of the least economically developed provinces. This article begins with a case study to demonstrate the local mine problem, elaborates upon the full scope of HALO’s activities, analyzes HALO’s statistical achievements toward mine reduction, and concludes with HALO’s recent successes and future prospects.
Peer-To-Peer Support Vital To Survivors, Ken Rutherford
Peer-To-Peer Support Vital To Survivors, Ken Rutherford
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Landmine victims suffer not only from physical trauma, but also from intense emotional, psychological and social difficulties. As a landmine survivor and person with a disability myself, I know the challenges of recovery firsthand. On a personal level, I feel I can better communicate challenges with other landmine survivors and people with disabilities rather than my doctors, family and friends; peer-to-peer support helped me face the difficulties I encountered following the loss of my legs.
The Roots Of Peace Model: Demine-Replant-Rebuild, Gary Kuhn
The Roots Of Peace Model: Demine-Replant-Rebuild, Gary Kuhn
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
Roots of Peace is an organization dedicated to the demining and redevelopment of mine-affected regions. It believes that it is not enough for organizations to just clear land of explosive remnants of war but that the land must be made livable and productive again. ROP suggests that the Demine-Replant-Rebuild model may be a good model for other organizations as well.
Community Empowerment And Leadership In Cambodia, Ruth Bottomley, Chan Sambath
Community Empowerment And Leadership In Cambodia, Ruth Bottomley, Chan Sambath
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In an effort to strengthen the ability of Cambodian villagers living with landmines and explosive remnants of war to manage the mine/ERW threat, the Cambodian Mine Action Centre implemented the Community-Based Mine Risk Reduction project. The CBMRR project, with support from CMAC, helps local populations participate in mine-action projects and access victim-assistance services and community-development activities to alleviate mine risk.
Mag: Paving A Mine-Free Path To Prosperity In Angola, Kate Wiggans
Mag: Paving A Mine-Free Path To Prosperity In Angola, Kate Wiggans
The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
In Angola’s eastern Moxico province, MAG (Mines Advisory Group), through its humanitarian mine-action program, is making substantial inroads into improving the residents’ socioeconomic situation. The almost immediate improvement to people’s lives is so visible that from one week to the next, MAG’s teams working on the outskirts of Luau, the regional urban center, can actually see families building homes on the land they have only recently cleared.